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While eating the "right foods" is good for your oral health, eating the wrong foods can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Here is a list of some foods and beverages that are harmful to our oral health.

• Sugary Drinks

Soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages all contain high amounts of sugar that can damage your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth use the sugar as fuel to produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. Over time, these acids can lead to tooth decay and even cavities. Each time you sip on a soda or a sports drink, your mouth is under attack from acid production for 20 minutes or more. While brushing and flossing can help remove some of the sugar and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, drinking your beverage quickly can cause the acids to damage your teeth before you even have a chance to brush and rinse them away.

Choose water instead of soda and sports drinks to help protect your oral health. If you must have a sweet treat, try a piece of sugar-free gum instead. Other tooth-friendly snacks include cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and nuts.

• Sticky Sweets

One habit that many people have that can affect their oral health is eating sticky sweets. While we know that candy is a treat most of us enjoy every now and then, it's important to remember that it can stick to your teeth and cause cavities.

• Spicy and Acidic Foods

Eating spicy foods can cause pain, irritation, and even damage to your teeth if you eat them too often or in excess. The acid found in many foods can also break down your tooth enamel and cause sensitivity issues, especially after eating or drinking. Even natural acids like those found in apple cider vinegar can have negative oral health effects. These ingredients may wreak havoc on your sensitive teeth, especially if you already suffer from the condition. Sometimes, consuming these ingredients can even cause gum irritation. Acidic foods and drinks also sabotage your oral health by causing teeth erosion and enamel wear that exposes your dentin, the softer layer of your tooth. This layer is more absorbent than enamel, so ingesting acidic foods and drinks can create microscopic holes that lead to tooth decay and sensitivity. You can help protect your teeth by not consuming too much soda, fruit juices, or wine. If you do consume them, drink water afterward to wash away the excess acid.

From coffee to soda and tomatoes to lemons, acidic foods and drinks can lead to the deterioration of your oral health. Whenever possible, it's best to avoid eating them altogether or at least in moderation. If you do enjoy these foods, try to drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth out with water afterward to keep any acid from lingering on your teeth for too long. This is especially important to do before sleeping. Brushing and flossing both regularly can help keep acidity from causing significant damage.

Please reach out to our dental practice at 3121 Springbank Ln Ste D Charlotte, NC 28226, to consult with our dentists, Drs. Jeffrey S. Kleinheinz. Call Dentist in Charlotte, NC, at (704) 542-6003 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.