What You Eat Affects Teeth and Oral Health

You are what you eat, especially when it comes to your teeth. According to Chittenden Dental, watching what goes in your mouth is just as important for oral health as it is for your overall health.

Your Burlington dentist, Dr. Mike Morris, explains that even seemingly healthy foods may not be so good for your teeth and gums.

Below are a few foods and beverages to avoid or enjoy in moderation.

Sports and Energy Drinks

You may love to grab a cold energy or sports drink after a workout, but according to your dentist in Burlington, water is a better bet. Energy and sports drinks are a double edge sword as they are carbonated, and loaded with sugar. Carbonated drinks will also erode the enamel on your teeth.

Breads and Other Starchy Foods

Everyone knows that bread isn’t the best thing for your waistline. Neither is that bag of chips, however, starchy foods are just as bad for your teeth. Pretzels, breads, cookies, chips and other foods that contain starch stick to the crevices and grooves in your teeth causing tooth decay. If you must indulge, rinse with water after or enjoy your starchy foods as part of a meal.

Sticky Foods are Not Healthy for Teeth and Gums

Gummy bears, licorice, salt-water taffy and even those delicious bags of dried fruit that you love so much aren’t so good for your teeth. Sticky foods can also pull out fillings and other dental restorations.

Citrus Fruit for Teeth and Gums

While fruit is good for your overall health too much of a good thing isn’t good for teeth and gums. Citrus fruits, such as Kiwi, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tomatoes contain enamel-eroding acid. Keep citrus to a minimum or enjoy as part of a meal.

Good oral hygiene habits including brushing twice and flossing once a day. Good oral hygiene habits also include healthy foods for oral health and regular dental appointments. Call and make yours today.