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The foods we eat affect our oral health in multiple ways. Spicy food can cause damage to the tooth enamel, and acidic food like lemons and oranges can wear down the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Additionally, sugary foods, like candy and soda, can feed the bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay. Here is a list of foods and beverages that can harm our oral health:

• Soda

Soda is one of the worst foods for oral health. Soda contains large amounts of sugar and acid. Both of these are damaging to your teeth and gums. Soda is acidic, and acids wear away at the enamel on your teeth. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Sugar is also harmful to your teeth because it feeds oral bacteria.

• Sports Drinks

The sugar and acid in sports drinks can be extremely damaging to teeth. They can erode enamel and damage your gum tissue. If you choose to drink sports drinks, use a straw when possible and rinse your mouth with water, and brush immediately after.

Sports drinks are also highly concentrated in sugar. They can increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay.

• Alcohol

Unfortunately, alcohol is one of the worst things for your teeth. Alcohol can dry out your mouth, and it can cause bacteria to grow quickly. If you do drink, do so in moderation. Also, make sure to use a straw. This will help the liquid bypass your teeth.

• Candy

Candy is a treat that most people enjoy, but it is often very sugary and sticky. Both of these factors can end up harming your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. If it is too difficult for you to resist eating candy, try to consume it in moderation and try to eat other healthier foods along with it. Many candies are very acidic, which can throw off the pH balance in your mouth, also leading to cavities.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can stick to your teeth and get stuck between your teeth and your gums. This can make you more likely to experience cavities and tooth decay. Sticky foods can also affect tooth enamel.

• Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, including lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, are acidic. They can erode your enamel and make your teeth more prone to decay and cavities. The citric acid in citrus fruits can also temporarily soften your tooth enamel, making your teeth more at risk for decay. Additionally, certain citrus fruits, such as oranges, contain a lot of sugar, which also increases the risk of tooth decay.

• Coffee

Coffee is often blamed as the major culprit for staining teeth. However, this isn’t always the case. If you drink your coffee using a straw, you may be able to reduce its impact on your teeth. 

• Tobacco Products

Tobacco products are some of the most harmful things you can put into your mouth. These products contain nicotine, which has been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Tobacco use also stains teeth and contributes to bad breath. 

• Hard Candies

Hard candies are some of the worst foods for your oral health. Chewing hard candies actually puts a destructive force on your teeth, making dental problems more likely. The most common problems seen with patients who chew hard candies are broken teeth, lost fillings, and fractured crowns. Hard candies can also cause cavities by sticking to teeth for long periods of time.

Many of the ingredients in hard candies are also unhealthy for your teeth. Sticky candies like caramel and hard candies like Jolly Ranchers stay in your mouth for an extended time and continually expose your teeth to acid and sugar. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Reach out to our dental practice in Mission Viejo, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Lee. Please call us at (949) 380-0315 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.