Foods That Raise Tooth Repair Risks
Candy is usually the first thing that comes to mind when people think of foods that are bad for teeth but candy is just the tip of the iceberg. Truth be told, there several foods and beverages that you should consume carefully to avoid the need for tooth repair down the road. As strong proponents of preventive dentistry, the team at Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry have listed a few of these harmful items that you may want to enjoy in moderation.
5 Foods That Increase Risk of Tooth Repair
1. Sugary Drinks
Juices, sport and energy drinks may seem healthy, but the sugar they contain can cause considerable damage to your teeth. Sugar, specifically, promotes bacteria that can eat away at the tooth’s enamel and cause tooth decay. Soda is even worse. It is not just sugary, but also highly acidic and can limit saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural cleaning response.
2. Dried Fruit
While fresh fruit is full of nutrients, dried fruit leaves sticky food residue that can easily get stuck between teeth, leaving sugar hanging around your mouth. As a result, bacteria production may increase, upping your risk for gum disease and cavities. Be sure to carefully brush and floss after enjoying dried fruits.
3. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages may not always contain sugar but consuming them can cause dry mouth. Dehydration and the subsequent lessening of saliva production creates an environment that is ideal for bacterial growth.
4. Citrus
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes, are delicious and refreshing but did you know that their high content of acid can cause tooth enamel to wear away? In order to avoid decay, it is best to enjoy citrus fruits in moderation.
5. Potato Chips & Crackers
Similar to sticky foods, potato chips and other starchy foods can get stuck between teeth. When these starchy carbohydrates sit in your mouth, teeth become more likely to experience plaque buildup and increased production of harmful bacteria.
While watching what you eat can help protect your dental health (and your waistline), the Smileboston team understands that the need for tooth repair is sometimes necessary. Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry offers dental services ranging from tooth repair and general dentistry to complete smile makeovers in two beautiful locations outside of Boston, MA. To schedule an appointment at our Brookline office, call (617) 277-4100 or at our South Shore location, call (781) 826-7577. For more information on our team and services, please visit Smileboston online.
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