If your dentist has cautioned you about your dental health, it may be time to look at your diet. What you consume directly affects your oral wellness, and limiting your intake of certain foods will give your oral health the boost it needs. Below are the three most damaging types of food for your teeth.

What Foods Are Bad for Your Dental Health?

1. Sugars

Cavities are caused by the acidic waste of sugar-eating bacteria in your mouth, which erode your teeth. Cutting back on sweets will lower your risk for cavities, as there will be less sugar for bacteria to survive on. When you do eat or drink sugary items, do so before or after eating food that makes you salivate, as saliva has natural antibacterial properties and will prevent particulates from becoming stuck in your teeth. Avoid hard or chewy candies that stick to your teeth, too, because the longer your teeth are exposed to sugar, the more likely you are to develop a cavity. Cavities require a trip to the dentist for a filling and, if left untreated, could require root canals or crowns, which can be costly.

2. Starches

Starchy foods begin breaking down into chains of different sugars in your mouth, attracting cavity-causing bacteria. Starch is found in many vegetables and grains — such as potatoes, corn, and pasta — so be mindful of how much of these foods you’re eating. Beyond creating sugar-related problems, starch also thickens when eaten, causing food to get stuck in your teeth. While you can’t eliminate all starches, reducing the amount you consume will have a noticeable impact on your dental health. When you do eat starchy food, brush your teeth thoroughly afterward.

3. Acidic Foods

Enamel acts as a protective shield for your teeth, preventing bacteria, abrasive substances, and other threats from reaching a tooth’s underlying tissues and roots. Acidic food and drinks — like coffee, black tea, and fruit juices — wear away your enamel over time, causing tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities. Try to monitor how many acidic items you consume in a day and work on lowering your intake if it’s high. To limit the amount of damage done by the acids, chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking something acidic. This stimulates saliva production, which will neutralize the acids and balance your mouth’s pH level.

If your diet has had a negative impact on your teeth, visit Charles Bumgardner, DMD in Lexington, SC. For years, this dentist has provided skilled and advanced dental care for patients of all ages, with comprehensive services that include teeth cleanings, crowns, braces, veneers, and more. Focusing on patient education and early detection of issues, Dr. Bumgardner and his team are masters of preventive and restorative dental care. They accept most major credit cards, checks, and cash, and payment plans can be arranged to make things easier on you financially. Read about their other services on the website, or call (803) 356-6030 to schedule your dentist appointment today.