The 6 Worst Foods for Your Teeth

All 32 of your beautiful pearly whites play a huge role in your overall health. It's important to know that there are other ways besides brushing and flossing in which you can achieve greater dental health.

That old saying, 'You are what you eat', has a wide application and your teeth are no exception. Take better control of your dental health by avoiding the worst foods for your teeth and keep reading.

If you're here because you are seriously concerned about your dental health, then know you're not alone. Your local Calgary dentists are there to help you, do not hesitate to ask questions or book an appointment.

1. Chewy Candy

If you're craving something sweet, try to skip the hard or chewy candy and grab a square of dark chocolate instead. Chewy candy, especially sour chewy candy, will leave sugar and acid residues on your teeth.

While your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it is not invincible and does not regenerate. Try to avoid candies that leave a harmful film, or brush immediately after.

2. Acidic Foods

Acids have a pH of less than 7 on a scale of 0-14. The ideal pH for your blood is slightly more alkaline, while the pH for your saliva is slightly more acidic.

The most common dietary acid consumed is citrus. Limiting your citrus intake, only eating/drinking with other meals, and drinking plenty of water can help cut the acidity in your mouth for your teeth.

Discover the pH levels of your favorite foods with this helpful chart.

3. Carbohydrates

This one might hurt a little, but it's true. Your body translates most carbs directly into glucose and the process begins with the saliva in your mouth. If your diet is too carbohydrate-heavy, you might be hurting your teeth more than you know.

Despite incredible medical and dental advances in today's technological world, studies have shown that prehistoric humans experienced better dental health than our current society. Their dental health is attributed to their hunter-gatherer diets versus the grains and sugars that came with the transition to an agrarian society.

4. Crunchy Foods

Your mouth is home to 200-300 differenttypes of bacteria. The bacteria that cause the most harm to your enamel and encourages tooth decay is Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria feeds off the sugar from things like potato chips and crackers.

So trade out that afternoon crunchy snack with a piece of fruit or cheese and save the harder munching for when you can brush and floss soon after.

5. Drink More Water

This is pretty standard health advice, the human body is 60% water and it's extremely important for its' proper function to remain hydrated.

Alternate your alcohol drinks with water to help rinse your teeth and replenish your saliva. If you must drink sodas, then use a straw and lessen any direct soda to teeth contact.

Calgary Dentists For Your Dental Health

Your teeth are unique to you, they are incredible, and they deserve proper care and attention. While proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing should all be a part of your regular dental health routine, if you're concerned, then reach out to us!

There are preventative dental techniques that can help your teeth more than just watching what you eat. Want to know more? Discover exactly why your dental health is so important.

The doctors at Northland Village Dental Centre are ready and willing to help you with all your dental health needs.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to see what we can do for you and your teeth!