It really looks like the well-known maxim, “You are what you eat” rings true when it comes to oral healthcare it definitely is all the more significant than usual. We always discuss at great length about the edibles one needs to consume to uphold a healthy oral condition, but it’s also equally imperative to know which are the diets pose a danger to our teeth and gums, that need to be avoided.
Below mentioned are a list of foods that one must evade to maintain healthy oral health.
Stay away from candies and sugary substances: While these hard candies appear to be harmless, eating too many of them will leave you constantly being exposed to sugar, which is extremely detrimental for oral health. Chewing hard candies also put your enamels at peril because along with being filled with sugar, they can also activate a dental emergency like a wrecked or chipped tooth. A better alternative for you would be to chew on gums which are free of sugar.
Ice is for chilling, not chewing: Most of us think that ice is beneficial for teeth because it is made from water and contains no sugar or other additives. But it’s important to note that munching on hard edibles can leave your teeth susceptible to a dental emergency and can impair enamel. You must break the habit of chewing on ice and should instead enjoy water in its liquid form.
Watch your citrus intake: The truth is that recurrent exposures to acidic diets can wear away enamel, thus making teeth more prone to deteriorate over time. So even though a little squeeze of lemon can turn a simple glass of water into an exciting beverage, it’s not always the best option for your mouth. Ensure you sip over sufficient amount of plain water.
Limit coffee intake: In their natural form, tea and coffee are considered to be healthy beverages but unfortunately many people can’t resist adding sugar to it. Caffeinated coffee and tea also have the ability to dry out your mouth. Recurrent drinks of coffee and tea may also tint and tarnish your enamels, eventually leading to discoloration of your pearly whites.
Gummy edibles are your mouth’s worst nightmare: While picking up healthy nibbles many people have a tendency to put dried fruit at the top of the list. But don’t forget the fact that many of these dried fruits tend to be sticky. Gluey edibles have a major chance to harm your teeth since they have a tendency to stay on the teeth for a longer interval of time than other food types. If you find yourself consuming dried fruits frequently, ensure you rinse your mouth with water after you are done with eating and make sure you brush and floss prudently.
Be cautious of crunchy edibles: We all love and relish the nice, sustaining crunch of a potato chip. Unfortunately these crispy nibbles are full of starch, which have a major tendency to get stuck in your enamels. If you want to indulge in refreshments like these, you need to take extra care when you floss in order to properly remove all the food particles that can cause the build-up of unwanted plaque.
Minimise alcohol consumption: Alcohol leads to dehydration and dryness of the mouth. People who consume liquor excessively may find that the flow of their saliva is condensed over time, which can cause your teeth to decay and can lead to other oral ailments such as gum disease.
Along with providing you with optimum energy, food also serves the purpose of making you healthy and happy, so as you munch on your favourite delectable, also ensure they are worthy enough to help your teeth and gums stay healthy.
The author is an aesthetic dentist attached with Dentzz Dental Care Centres