Eating the right food is essential for healthy teeth. Foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can be harmful to your teeth. Oral bacteria feed on sugar and, in the process, release acids that attack tooth enamel. Over time, these acids can cause tooth decay and cavities. Listed below are the foods to be avoided:

Sugary foods

Eating too much sugar is bad for your health in general. But, there are certain foods that can be more damaging to your oral health than others. Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Plaque can then feed on the sugar and produce even more acid, resulting in tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks also erode the enamel of your teeth over time.

Hard Candy

Are you actually eating candy or some kind of food that your Dentist Montebello Los Angeles, CA, would tell you to stay away from? Hard candies are the worst culprits for causing tooth decay because they are high in sugar content and get stuck in your teeth for a long time. Grinding these into tiny pieces often leaves a sticky plaque on the teeth, which then becomes food for bacteria to grow and multiply on. This cycle will ultimately lead to cavities. The next worst thing for oral health is sour candies like lemon drops, as the acid in these can erode the enamel of the tooth. This causes the tooth to decay easily.

Soft Drinks

Soft drinks contain citric acid and sugar that can erode tooth enamel over time. Dentist Montebello Los Angeles, CA, recommends drinking soft drinks in moderation or substituting them with water or milk whenever possible.

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea are popular beverages consumed regularly by most people in the United States and around the world. While you may be drinking these beverages for the taste, they are also having a negative impact on your oral health.

Both coffee and black tea contain high amounts of tannins that stain tooth enamel. Additionally, both drinks are high in acid and are dehydrating, which can also cause irritation to the mouth. Drinking the beverage in excess can add to risks for gum disease and tooth decay.

Instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to produce saliva in the mouth, which is the body’s natural defense against bacteria. Saliva contains important properties that help to keep teeth clean. As per  Dentist Montebello Los Angeles, CA, you can also enjoy unsweetened herbal teas that are better for your teeth than coffee or black tea.

Wine

Drinking wine in moderation can actually help protect your teeth from cavities. The alcohol in wine can temporarily harden the surface of teeth and create a protective barrier against sugar in the food you eat. However, the acidity in wine is very damaging to tooth enamel. Acids in wine dissolve minerals from the teeth and can cause erosion over time. If you do drink wine and notice sensitivity or pain, it could be a sign that your enamel is eroding. Talk to  Dentist Montebello Los Angeles, CA, about strengthening treatments that can protect your teeth from the effects of drinking wine.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are one of the worst offenders when it comes to promoting tooth decay. These beverages are highly acidic and contain a lot of sugar as well. The high acidity of the drink can wear down your enamel over time, leading to an increased risk of cavities. The sugar content in sports drinks can also erode your tooth enamel and lead to decay if consumed on a regular basis. Try to avoid these drinks and opt for water instead. 

For any dental services, get in touch with Dr. David Hakham, Dentist Montebello Los Angeles, CA, at 6451 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles 90022, or call (323)728-0241.