Did you know that the foods and beverages that you eat and drink are one of the largest factors in the appearance and function of your teeth? Are you aware that — just like consuming certain foods can increase your odds of developing different medical conditions — there are foods and drinks that can have an impact on your teeth and gums?
Brushing and flossing are always going to be hugely important in protecting your teeth and gums, but it is important to be aware of how a healthy diet can protect your teeth and preserve your impressive smile.
Here are a few foods and beverages that are known to have an impact on teeth and gums. As always contact your dentist to learn more,
Chewy and Crunchy Foods
Chewy, crunchy foods like celery, carrots, and nuts increase the flow of saliva, which neutralizes cavity-forming acids produced by oral bacteria. Foods that are sweet and sticky, on the other hand, are the best friends of bacteria because they help it flourish and build up plaque on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. For this reason, your dentist is likely to recommend eating less of these food options.
Crunchy foods can also harm your dental work, such as dental fillings. And some chewy snacks, like chewing gum, can create a suction effect and pull out your fillings. This is particularly true when you have worked a piece of chewing gum so long that it loses most of its moisture.
Coffee, Tea and Red Wine
Although dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine do not really have an impact on oral health, they can definitely take a toll on the appearance of your teeth by staining them over time. Substances call tannins in these beverages can lead to teeth staining.
So limit your consumption of these types of beverages. If you just can’t help yourself, be sure to rinse your mouth with water as soon as you finish drinking them so that the stain-causing substances do not linger on your teeth.
Acidic Beverages
It should go without saying that consuming tons of sugar is not good for your teeth and gums. But beverages like carbonated sodas carry a double whammy: They are both sugary and acidic. The sugar feeds oral bacteria that can cause plaque, tooth decay and gum disease. And the acids found in these sodas can harm your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.
The acidic beverages can also damage the soft tissues of your mouth, like your gums. Your dentist is likely to recommend brushing your teeth more often if you drink a lot of acidic beverages. Of course, it is best to choose water instead.
Milk and Cheese
Milk and cheese are extremely good for your teeth. Not only because of the calcium that they contain to strengthen your teeth and bones, but they also provide something called casein, which is a protein that is known to help prevent the formation of cavities.
Apples, Grapes, Garlic and Cocoa
A number of foods are known for having a distinct antibacterial effect when consumed, both systemically and within the mouth. For instance, apples, grapes, garlic and cocoa contain natural substances that help fight cavity-causing bacteria.
Learn More
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