Certain foods and drinks are more likely to expose your teeth to risks like gum disease or cavities. In this post, our team at Stockton Creative Dental in Stockton, California, led by Dr. Rassiwala, has compiled a list of 6 foods that are bad for your teeth and that you should avoid if you want to maintain your dental health.

Foods That Are Harmful to Your Teeth

Certain foods and drinks may contribute to the development of oral health problems. Among the drinks and foods that are bad for your teeth, we can count:

• Bread

When you chew bread, the carbohydrates in it are broken down into sugar by your saliva. The bread then turns into a gooey paste that sticks to the teeth and enters the spaces between teeth. This can result in cavities. When you’re craving carbs like bread, go for whole wheat or less-refined types.

• Alcohol

Did you know that drinking alcohol causes your mouth to dry out? A dry mouth deprives us of the saliva we need to keep our teeth healthy. Saliva keeps food particles from sticking to your teeth and flushes them away, aiding in the prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

• Sour Candies

It should come as no surprise that sugary foods are hazardous for your teeth. Sour candies, on the other hand, can be highly damaging to your teeth because they contain more acids and are chewy, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.

• Crackers

Crackers include refined carbohydrates, and numerous studies have found links between consuming too many refined carbs and increased inflammation in the body. Many chronic diseases, including periodontitis and gingivitis, are exacerbated by inflammation.

• Soft Drinks

Soft drinks, whether sugar-free or not, contain acid. They can be damaging to your teeth, increasing your chances of cavities and dental erosion. Soft drinks should be avoided if your oral health is to be preserved.

• Sugar

Sugar is sugar, whether it’s brown sugar or refined white sugar. What matters most is not how much you eat, but how frequently you eat it. Sugar creates an acidic environment in your mouth that lasts for several hours after you consume it, which can damage your tooth enamel.

To learn more about foods that are bad for your breath and how to prevent dental issues with a healthy diet, contact Stockton Creative Dental at (209) 466-5000, schedule an appointment online, or visit our office at 2043 E, Fremont St. #8, Stockton, CA 95205.