The Corvallis Dental Group team in Corvallis, OR is here to help you maintain a healthy smile. If you can keep decay at bay, you can avoid needing to come in for a restorative procedure like a filling or crown. Here’s a list of some things to avoid that increase the risks of cavities.
Candy
We all know that candy is bad for your teeth. This is because candy–no matter if it’s soft or hard, chewy or gummy–is full of sugar. And sugar is really bad for your teeth. This is because the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and turn it into acid that wears away at your enamel. The weaker your enamel, the more vulnerable your teeth are to decaying and developing cavities. Chewy candies can get stuck between your teeth while hard candies can break or crack your teeth. The more candy you eat, the more sugars buildup in your mouth. That leads to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even more serious oral health problems.
Carbonated Drinks
You may also know that soda is bad for your teeth. This is because soda is very acidic and that acid will wear down tooth enamel. Diet soda may be slightly better than regular soda because it doesn’t contain sugar, but it’s still not an ideal choice for a beverage. Soda can also dry out your mouth. A dry mouth means less saliva, a necessary part of your oral health that remineralizes your enamel to make it stronger. Finally, sodas that are dark in color can stain your teeth. If you’re parched, stick with water to quench your thirst.
Popcorn and Chips
While they’re delicious, popcorn and chips break down into tiny pieces when you munch on them. These can get stuck in between your teeth and if they are not promptly removed, bacteria will begin to feed on them and turn those food pieces into enamel-eroding acids. And since popcorn and chips are so hard to stop eating once you’ve started, this only makes the situation worse because acid production may linger for longer.
Alcohol
Another drink that’s bad for your teeth is alcohol. This is because many alcoholic drinks contain a lot of sugar. Cocktails such as margaritas, gin and tonics, pina coladas, and more are filled with sugar. Wines can also be very sugary and acidic, so drinking them could cause your enamel to wear away. Similar to soda, wine can also cause you to experience dry mouth.
Cavity Prevention in Corvallis, OR
The best way to reduce your risk of cavities is to avoid foods and drinks like these that are high in sugar and carbs and instead maintain a diet full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s also important to get preventive dental care. Contact Corvallis Dental Group today to schedule a cleaning and checkup to keep your mouth healthy and happy.
