Teenagers don’t always give much thought to how their daily actions could impact their overall health. As a result, many young adults struggle with dental hygiene issues that will cause problems later in life. Fortunately, by knowing the common dietary causes of dental decay, you may be able to guide the teenagers in your home towards more smile-healthy meals and snacks. Here are three foods common in teenage diets that could harm their dental health—and how your dentist can help. 

Unhealthy Foods & Drinks for Your Teen’s Teeth

1. Sodas & Energy Drinks 

Many of the most popular drinks are loaded with sugar, which fuels oral bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria form acids that dissolve dental enamel and cause tooth decay. Sports drinks are especially harmful to the teeth, as they’re typically acidic enough to cause permanent enamel erosion. To ward off tooth decay, discoloration, and enamel loss, encourage your teenagers to consume water or, at the very least, to brush their teeth or rinse their mouths with water after they drink other beverages. If your child has been consuming sports drinks regularly, make sure to talk with your dentist about how it has impacted their teeth. 

2. Processed Foods

Heavily processed, starchy foods such as snack cakes, potato chips, and crackers are high in simple carbohydrates, which is also a feast for dangerous oral bacteria. In addition to contributing to weight gain and health problems, crunchy processed foods can also be harmful to the soft oral tissues of the mouth, causing lacerations or impacted food particles that can contribute to infections without the proper attention. Always report changes in your teen’s smile, such as swollen gums or a visible sign of an infection, to your dentist right away. 

3. Candy

Sweet treats such as candies are sticky enough to cling to the teeth, where they open the door to dental decay. Unfortunately, even natural foods like dried fruits can contain exceptionally high levels of sugar, leading to the same inviting environment for bacteria. If your teenager has a sweet tooth, encourage them to consume sugar-free gum, which can satisfy their sweet cravings while rinsing away fine food particles. 

If your teenager has already started to experience dental problems due to a poor diet, Elberta Dental is here to help. Their dedicated dentist is focused on diagnosing the underlying causes of dental disease quickly and efficiently so that your loved ones can get the treatment they need as soon as possible. Fill out new patient forms online or give their office a call at (251) 986-3500.