Keeping your smile healthy starts with knowing what’s best – and worst – for your teeth and gums. Certain foods and drinks can weaken enamel, irritate gums, and even lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Our Dallas dentists are here to help you learn which treats to avoid and which goodies to enjoy more often.
Want to learn more about how your diet affects your oral health? Consult the team at Lakewood Dental Group. You can request advice, appointments, and more by calling our Dallas, TX, dentists at (214) 827-1885 now!
In today’s blog, Dr. Shaun Sigurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel reveal the top 4 worst foods for your smile. But don’t worry, it’s not all bad news! For each “worst” food, our team gives you a better alternative, so you can protect your pearly whites while still enjoying delicious flavors.
1. Sugary Candy and Gummies
Sugary goodies like gummy bears, sour candies, and caramels cling to teeth and create a sticky playground for cavity-causing bacteria. When sugar sits on teeth, bacteria use it to produce acids that wear down enamel, leading to decay.
A Better Choice
Fresh fruit! If you crave something sweet, berries, apples, and grapes deliver natural sweetness and fiber, which actually helps scrub away some plaque as you chew. Bonus: they’re packed with vitamins A, B, C, and E, which strengthen your gums, too!
2. Soda and Sugary Drinks
Our Dallas dentists say sodas and other sugary drinks pack a double whammy: sugar plus acidity. These drinks glaze teeth in sugar, which feeds tooth-destroying microbes, and the acidity of these refreshments also erodes enamel. This is a harmful combination, especially when sipping sodas and sugary drinks throughout the day.
A Better Choice
Water is a great choice for staying hydrated, rinsing away food particles and bacteria, and keeping teeth and gums healthy. If plain water isn’t your thing, our Dallas dentists suggest adding fruit or sugar-free flavor to water to jazz it up.
3. Alcohol
Most alcohol has a pH balance of around 4, making them highly acidic. And because alcohol acts as an astringent, it can dry out your mouth. Without enough saliva and with too much acidity, alcohol can lead to significant bacterial and plaque buildup. That’s why heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of gum disease.
A Better Choice
Mocktails! Mix up sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or fresh herbs like mint.
If you do enjoy alcohol, make sure to drink water alongside it, and brush your teeth before bed to remove any lingering acidity.
4. Chips and Starchy Snacks
Chips, crackers, and other starchy snacks break down into sugars as you chew. These particles tend to get stuck between teeth, where they encourage cavity-causing bacterial growth. According to our Dallas dentists, starches are like slow-burning sugar, giving bacteria plenty to munch on over time.
A Better Choice
Nuts or cheese. Both nuts and cheese are packed with calcium and protein, which can help strengthen teeth. Plus, they don’t stick to your teeth like chips! And here’s a tasty bonus: they’re more filling, so you’ll be less likely to keep reaching for more.
Smart Choices Start at Lakewood Dental Group
Every meal and snack is a chance to protect and strengthen your smile. By swapping out some of these “worst” foods for smile-friendly choices, you can enjoy delicious flavors and keep your teeth and gums healthy. But don’t forget to schedule regular dental check-ups with our Dallas dentists, too!
Request appointments at Lakewood Dental Group online, or call our Dallas, TX, dental office at (214) 827-1885 for advice, scheduling, and more!
