According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 has untreated tooth decay. It is still the most common dental health issue worldwide.
You may think that brushing, flossing, and visiting my dental office every six months is enough to eradicate tooth decay, and these practices do drastically reduce your risks. However, nutrition is also vital to a long-term, cavity-free smile.
In this blog, I share common foods that can potentially damage your teeth and lead to:
- Tooth Decay
- Tooth Stains and Discoloration
- Tooth Chips and Fractures
5 Common Foods That Can Damage Your Teeth.
Fruit Juice Is Highly Acidic and Sweet
When we think about fruit, most of us assume it’s always healthy, but fruit juice is sweet and highly acidic, which can compromise tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Water is always preferable to fruit juice and soda.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee is not hydrating. It can lead to dry mouth, which causes bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth stains. Tea is also a common culprit when it comes to tooth stains.
Hard Foods
Nuts are good for your teeth and a great alternative to candy, but biting into nuts and seeds directly can cause sudden tooth chips and fractures. It’s best to chew hard foods slowly and carefully.
All Varieties of Sweets
Whether it’s cake, cookies, or candy, sweets are not good for your teeth. Sugar forms acid, which leads to plaque and tartar buildup, the key ingredients in tooth decay.
Lack of Hydration
Lack of hydration is not a food or drink, but it’s an important consideration for your dental health. Staying hydrated helps wash away debris from your teeth, prevents dry mouth, and reduces your risk of tooth decay.
Contact My Dental Office Today
As a dentist in Vienna, VA, I’m always happy to guide my patients to better oral health. To schedule your next checkup and teeth cleaning, call my team today at (703) 281-7104 to get started.