Your oral health is directly affected by the foods you eat! It is also affected by the foods you choose NOT to eat. Here are some foods to avoid for a healthy, bright smile.

Acidic Foods: Acidic foods can damage your teeth. Now, this isn’t to say you can never have an orange again! You just need to take necessary precautions when consuming acidic foods. For example, eating acidic foods as part of a larger meal helps to negate the effects of the acids present in the food. Drinking lots of plain water also help. Adding lemon juice to water exacerbates the problem, so be sure that it is plain or fluoridated water.

Sticky Foods: Sticky foods, such as dried fruit or candy, can damage teeth, not only because they often contain sugars, but because they actually stay on the tooth longer. This leaves sugars and food debris in contact with the teeth, encouraging tooth decay.

Starchy Foods: Starchy foods also stick to your teeth. They can end up stuck in the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and in between teeth. Bacteria that cause tooth decay feed off of simple carbohydrates, thus, prolonged contact with starchy foods can damage your teeth.

A great way to neutralize acids and clear food debris from your mouth is with your body’s natural defense: saliva. Saliva can wash away harmful bacteria and plaque buildup, as well as the acids present in foods. By chewing sugarless gum after meals, you can help promote the creation of excess saliva in your mouth and lower your risk of cavities. Sugared gum should be avoided, as the sugars present in the gum feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

For more tips on how to eat healthily, call Rick Jackomis, DDS at 703-444-9244. And if you are in the Sterling, Virginia area, call us for your next dental appointment! Dr. Rick Jackomis and our team will be happy to see you and help you get and keep a bright, healthy smile.