Not all foods are created equal when it comes to your teeth. Some kinds of food are more harmful to our teeth than others. For instance, acidic foods are more likely to erode tooth enamel, the thin outermost layer of your teeth. Sugary foods and beverages, like candy and soda, can contribute to decay. Starchy foods can stick to your teeth, providing fuel for bacteria. Here is a list of foods and beverages that are harmful to our oral health.

• Soda

Soda is high in acid, which can erode the enamel on your teeth. Sugar is another concern when it comes to soda. Bacteria love to feed on sugar, and every time you take a sip of soda, you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth.

• Sports Drinks

The sugar and acid content of sports drinks can wear away tooth enamel and damage oral tissues. Because these drinks are so common, sports drinks are one of the most common causes of tooth decay for children and adults.

While sports drinks are harmful, water can be a great choice. Water helps to rinse away bacteria, debris, and acid that contributes to tooth decay.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods stick to your teeth, especially between teeth, causing tooth decay and cavities. The more sticky foods you eat, the more damage your teeth will have.

• Sugary Foods

Sugary foods can wreak havoc on your oral health. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, causing it to multiply and release acids that eat away at your teeth. The more sugar you consume, the more acid is produced, and the more bacteria grow. This can contribute to tooth decay, a cavity, and gum disease.

• Alcohol

Alcohol is an irritant to the soft tissues in your mouth. It can cause sore throats, dry mouth, and gum disease. Alcohol is also acidic. Acidic foods can erode your teeth, leading to cavities.

• Tobacco Products

Chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, and pipes all increase your risk for oral cancer. These tobacco products also contain cancer-causing chemicals that damage tissues in the mouth.

Cigarette smoke contains 28 cancer-causing chemicals, including arsenic and formaldehyde. In addition to increasing your risk for oral cancer, smoking contributes to gum disease, tooth decay, and stained teeth.

• Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can erode your tooth enamel, especially when consumed regularly. This make teeth weaker and more sensitive Acidic foods include:

• Citrus fruits
• Soda
• Pickles
• Coffee
• Wine

• Coffee

Coffee is one of the most common drinks in the world, and most people enjoy it in the morning to get energized. However, drinking too much coffee can stain teeth, cause dry mouth, and worsen sensitive teeth. If you absolutely can’t start your day without your morning coffee, drink in with a straw and rinse your mouth afterward.

PS Dental in Tigard, ORegon, offers the best dental care services to patients. For more details and appointments, call us at (503) 574-4000, book online, or visit us at 12017 SW 70th Ave, Tigard, OR 97223.