Mid-Day Snacks That are Ruining Your Pearly Whites

Nowadays, first impressions are often made online and are no longer reserved for in-person conversations. A winning smile is regarded as the key to making a first good impression, whatever the case may be.

Why is it crucial to make a good first impression with a smile? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 48% of adults believe that a smile is the most memorable attribute after meeting someone.

Your food has a bigger impact on your oral health than you think. When you consume a sugary meal, the sugar particles in the meal trigger bacteria to generate acids that destroy tooth enamel. As the enamel breaks down, it may result in the formation of cavities.

Cavities are considered the most frequent chronic illness among children and adolescents aged between six to nineteen, as  stated by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

So if you have secured a first date with your long-time crush, make sure you are wearing a glowing smile to turn that date into a long-term relationship. Many dental services available in the US offer teeth whitening procedures; however, here are some foods that you can avoid to protect your pearly whites.

1. Citrus Fruits and Juices

Tooth enamel can be harmed by frequent exposure to acidic foods, and thus, the teeth become more susceptible to decay over time. Tooth enamel damage can also cause tooth sensitivity. After eating an orange, grapefruit, or other acidic meal, make sure you drink lots of water. This will remove any acids that have remained.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol dries out your mouth, limiting the amount of saliva produced. Saliva is necessary for washing away problem particles; therefore, avoid foods containing alcohol as this can lead to gum disease and tooth damage over time.

3. Chips and Crackers

For most people, the crunch of a potato chip is perennially satisfying. Unfortunately, they are rich in starch and converted into sugar. They feed plaque and bacteria by getting lodged between our teeth.  

 

4. Soda

Sugary beverages, like sugary snacks, provide lots of food for bacteria in your mouth to thrive on, causing harmful acids to be released. Sodas are particularly harmful because anything carbonated is acidic and can destroy teeth. This also applies to sugar-free variants.

5. Bread

Think twice before you buy bread. This is because bread contains carbohydrates that turn your saliva into sugar. When you have bread, it turns into a paste and gets stuck between your teeth, resulting in cavities.

6. Sports Drinks

Although they appear healthy, sugar is a common element in sports and energy beverages. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sports drinks can benefit young athletes who engage in lengthy, intensive physical activity, but they are not necessary for most circumstances. Check the label on your next drink to ensure it’s sugar-free, or just drink water.

7. Sour Candies

Surprisingly, candies are considered quite harmful to our teeth. However, sour candy has a greater variety of more difficult acids. Furthermore, because they have a chewy texture, they adhere to our teeth for a prolonged time, putting our teeth at the risk of decaying. Have a piece of chocolate instead to fulfill your cravings, as chocolates have a thinner texture that can easily be chewed and washed away.

8. Ice

Some people have a habit of chewing ice, but is it okay to chew ice, considering it’s only made up of water? According to the American Dental Association, chewing on hard items puts you at risk for dental problems because it damages your enamel. These dental problems include chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth and loosened crowns. Ice should not be chewed but should only be used to chill beverages. To avoid the urge to chew ice, sip on cold water. 

9. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are known for healthy snacking. Although that can be true, dried fruits like apricots, raisins, prunes, and figs are quite sticky. They get stuck and adhere to the teeth, leaving a lot of sugar behind. If you enjoy dried fruits, rinse your mouth with water before brushing and flossing. It’s also better to consume fresh dried fruit instead of the canned ones because they’re less sugary.

So, what preventive measures can you take to promote healthy teeth and gums? Avoid or limit your intake of the foods and beverages listed above to support excellent oral health and safeguard your teeth. Moreover, consider maintaining a diet that is high in nutrient-dense whole foods. Also, make it a habit to brush and floss your teeth before you go to bed, as this can help clean any extra residue stuck on your teeth.

It’s been rightly said that you are what you consume. And there’s no better place to see it than in your teeth. This is because a variety of foods and beverages can create plaque, which can cause major harm to your teeth. Everything we consume reflects on our bodies and our smiles. Snacks are fantastic for our taste buds, but many are bad for our teeth. This is because they might induce tooth decay.

Recommended Reads: Oral Hygiene Routine for Perfect White Teeth 

But sometimes, you can do everything right and still end up hurting your pearly whites. Don’t wait for the problem to go away on its own, or try DIY-ing your way out of it. Get professional help.

If you live in the West Hills area and are looking for urgent dental care for your toothache, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Mike Salekian at West Hills Smiles. They also have special promotions to get you that perfect smile at an affordable price.