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Do you know the food you eat can impact your oral health? As per the  Dentist in Sugar Land, TX, while some foods and beverages can strengthen your teeth and bones and improve your oral health, some can affect your oral health badly. For instance, foods and drinks that are high in sugar feed bacteria in the mouth, causing more plaque and tartar to accumulate. Some foods may even stain the teeth, making them appear yellow or brown. On the other hand, foods such as fruits and vegetables are high in water content, which can help wash away food particles in the mouth and prevent staining. 

Worst Foods For Oral Health

If you are wondering what foods can wreak havoc on your oral health, here is a list of the worst foods for oral health by your  Dentist in Sugar Land, TX. 

• Sugary Foods

Sugary foods can be downright horrible for your teeth. That’s because sugar feeds the oral bacteria that infect your mouth and causes decay. Foods with added sugar are typically processed with harmful acids. This acid then eats through your tooth enamel and causes decay. Make sure you limit your sugar intake by cutting out soda, candy, and baked goods. Instead, eat foods that are low in sugar, like fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can break down tooth enamel—the protective coating on teeth. If enamel is worn away, teeth can become more sensitive and vulnerable to cavities and decay. According to the  Dentist, Sugar Land, TX, when choosing foods, look for those that are more alkaline and have less acid. These foods include:

• Water 
• Plain milk
• Milk products (cheese, yogurt)
• Raw vegetables (carrots, celery, cabbage)
• Cooked vegetables (potatoes, squash)
• Oatmeal
• Nuts
• Fruits (melon, berries, apples)

• Dry Foods

Dry foods, such as crackers, pretzels, and chips, are the worst foods for oral health. The starches in these foods can be broken down into simple sugars, which feed oral bacteria and produce harmful acids that wear away tooth enamel.

• Tobacco Products

Tobacco products are some of the most harmful foods for oral health. Not only are tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and other smokeless tobacco products) harmful to your health, but they also cause stains on your teeth. In fact, tobacco products are one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. Tobacco products can also hurt your teeth in other ways. If you use tobacco products, you’re more likely to develop periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease that destroys your teeth’s supporting tissues. Tobacco products can also cause bad breath, mouth sores, and irritation in the mouth and throat.

• Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages can be detrimental to your oral health. They can cause dry mouth, which can result in tooth decay. Alcohol can also have a negative impact on your immune system, which affects your teeth and gums. You should abstain from drinking alcohol if you have oral surgery coming up since alcohol can delay healing.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky candies and dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and figs can easily get stuck in and between teeth. Those are the types of food that patients should try to avoid as much as possible.

Sticky foods can also create plaque buildup and cavities. By sticking to teeth, they can actually pull teeth apart, causing damage to dental work like fillings or crowns. 

• Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits have very high acid content, which can erode enamel. This erosion can make your teeth more susceptible and at risk for staining.

• Coffee and Tea

Most coffee drinkers enjoy their daily cup of joe not only as a nice pick-me-up but also for its taste and aroma. Unfortunately, coffee isn’t great for your oral health. In fact, it’s one of the worst foods for oral health. That’s because coffee contains acids that eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Over time, the enamel will begin to wear away, and your teeth will be at risk for decay and cavities. In addition, tea contains tannins, which stain the teeth. The more tea you drink, the more likely you are to develop stains on your teeth.

• Hard foods

Hard candies, lollipops, and other non-nutritious, hard foods can cause your molars to chip or break, which increases your risk of needing an extraction. Hard foods also contribute to tooth decay. Chewing on hard candies or ice cubes can also crack or chip your teeth.