Hard Candies
While a small piece of hard candy may not seem so harmful when you compare it next to a bowl of ice-cream or a piece of cake- but it is very harmful to your teeth. Biting and crunching hard candies with your teeth can risk breakage and chipping. Most hard candies leave a sticky residue within the crevasses in your teeth making it very difficult to properly clean and more susceptible to cavities.
Ice
While this small habit seems nearly harmless and that most people do it, it can leave long term negative consequences and impacts on your overall health of your teeth. Chewing ice regularly puts you at a higher risk for chipped teeth and damaged tooth enamel. 6 Foods that are
Citrus Fruits
When you think of eating healthy, most people think of fruits and vegetables for the important vitamins, minerals and fiber within them. Thought there are consequences for eating too many citrusy fruits. The acidity within the fruits can erode the enamel on your teeth and put you at a higher risk for cavities and tooth loss. Keeping citrus in your diet within moderation is the safest way to keep your teeth healthy.
Bread
Even though bread is soft and chewy, it can easily get stuck between your teeth. Because bread quickly breaks down into a sugar, you will have sugary substance lingering within your mouth and between your teeth after your sandwich or toast. Whole grain breads have less sugar than white bread and also contain fewer sugars as well. If bread is difficult to moderate in your diet, try switching to whole grain bread to save the overall health of your teeth.
Sugary Drinks
Too much sugar in your drinks can be just as bad as sugary foods lingering in your mouth. Having too much sugar in your drinks can be bad for your teeth and cause early tooth decay or even tooth loss. Because so many drinks including soda, coffee, tea and even sports drinks contain sugar it is good to drink in moderation or drink sugar free options.
Alcohol
Alcohol can affect your body’s ability to create saliva which can lead to chronic dry mouth and possible gum disease. Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of oral cancer. Most everything is okay in moderation or on occasions but it ultimately comes down to balance in your lifestyle. Brushing and flossing your teeth routinely with care as well as regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleansing will also help keep your oral hygiene and teeth strong and healthy.
