Harmful Foods for Teeth
Did you know that about 90% of all foods either contain sugars or starches? These substances cause tooth plaque, which can seriously affect your teeth. Plaque is simply a sticky film full of bacteria that covers one’s teeth. It’s one of the leading causes of gum disease and tooth decay among many people.
Many people don’t know this, but the moment you consume a sugary food or snack, what happens is, the sugars trigger the bacteria in your mouth to release acids that then attack your teeth’s enamel. The enamel then wears away and cavities start to form. Cavities can cause problems such as toothaches and chewing problems. Failing to floss or brush your teeth regularly causes teeth plaque to harden and this turns into tartar. Tartar causes gingivitis, which is a type of gum disease that leads to inflamed gums. If gingivitis is untreated, it can result in tooth loss or other serious health problems.
So what can you do to prevent plaque from ruining your teeth and mouth? It starts with being aware of the foods that are bad for your teeth. This is because being aware of these bad foods for your teeth will help you be more cautious of what you put in your mouth.
List of worst foods for teeth health
1 . Candy
You’ve probably heard dozens of times that candy is bad for your oral health and teeth. But there are in fact worse kinds of candies that you should avoid – sour candies. Sour candies cause serious teeth problems since they contain acids which can easily stick to your teeth for longer time. Sour candies accelerate the rate of tooth decay when compared to other candies such as chocolates.
2 . Bread
Bread contains starch and it should not come as a surprise candidate on this list. When you consume bread, the starch is broken down into sugar by saliva. The bread then sticks between your teeth and this can result in cavities. If you want bread so badly, choose those with less added sugars and those that don’t break down easily.
3 . Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks such as sodas are consumed by millions of people worldwide, but they have their dangers. They can cause serious cavities and teeth decay if you’re not careful with your intake. This is because they easily cause acids to form in your mouth, which in turn attacks your teeth.
Other foods bad for teeth include:
- Ice
- Citrus
- Potato chips
- Dried fruits