Since Halloween has just gone by and we are preparing for the holiday season, it is important to know the effects that sugar has on teeth. It has become known that eating too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, but not many know how this happens. It is important to know the foods to avoid, so you and your children can avoid any type of tooth decay.
Ice
Many people don’t realize that ice can be very damaging to teeth. The problem arises when you start chewing on ice. This process causes damage and makes your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency and damaged enamel.
Citrus
Consuming acidic foods frequently can start eroding your tooth enamel, which makes teeth more susceptible to decay over time. This is always good to take into consideration, especially if you are one to like a squeeze of lemon or lime in your water for instance. It is best to drink plenty of plain water.
Coffee
When coffee and tea are in their natural form, they can be healthy beverages. Too many people cannot resist adding sugar. Throughout time, when you drink coffee and tea you risk staining your teeth. Be sure to drink plenty of plain water and try to keep the add-ons to a minimum.
Sticky Foods
When choosing healthy foods, many people gravitate towards dried fruit. Dried fruits are sticky and sticky foods can cause damage to your teeth since they usually stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. When choosing these foods, make sure you rinse your mouth out with water and to brush and floss afterward.
Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods, such as potato chips, are filled with starch and tends to get trapped in your teeth. When choosing to eat these kinds of foods, it is important to take extra care of your teeth and to make sure you floss that day to remove any food particles that can lead to plaque buildup.
Soda
Eating sugary foods and drinking sugary drinks over long periods of time can cause plaque bacteria that sugar produces and attacks your enamel. Most carbonated soft drinks are bad for your teeth and should be drinking alongside a cup of water.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol causes dehydration along with dry mouth. When someone drinks excessively, they may find that their saliva flow has become reduced over time. This can lead to several issues including tooth decay, oral infections, or even increasing your risk for oral cancer
Sports Drinks
At a glance, sports drinks may seem like a healthy option, but usually, the top ingredient for most sports drinks is sugar. In most cases, it is a better option to drink plain water over a sports drink.