You may not remember what you had for lunch a few weeks ago, but your teeth certainly do. Even when you have a great oral hygiene routine, you can still eat certain foods and drink certain beverages that are really bad for your teeth. While everything can cause plaque to build up on your teeth if you don’t brush for long enough, there are some drinks and foods that cause plaque buildup rapidly.
Foods That Cause Plaque Buildup
Learn about the most common foods that cause plaque buildup so you can avoid the risk of cavities and infection. Visit your local family dentist in Upland to learn more about plaque, tartar, and how you can get rid of them both!
Fizzy Beverages
Do you enjoy soda, pop, energy drinks, and other carbonated refreshers? Unfortunately, these all can deal some real damage to your teeth. This is because the sugar and carbonation in these drinks combine to create high acidity levels. Acid is the condition that makes the mouth a perfect place for plaque to form. Carbonated beverages are some of the worst substances for your teeth.
Chips
As the famous saying goes, you can’t just eat one potato chip. These addictive and delicious chips may be good for a snack, but too many of them can cause an overabundance of bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque.
The starch is to blame. Chips have a lot of starch, which can get trapped in between your teeth. Starch becomes sugar for bacteria, which grow and create nasty plaque on your enamel. Make sure you floss ASAP after enjoying your favorite bag of chips.
Alcohol
Alcohol is bad for your teeth, but not for the reason you may think. Wine, beer, and liquor can make you really dehydrated. A dry mouth is a hotbed for certain bacteria and particles to breed and create plaque. Alcohol, medicine, and other substances that cause dry mouth can lead to increase plaque buildup.
Drink a lot of water and hydrate yourself often if you know you are going to drink. And of course, prevent that sugar from causing cavities by brushing your teeth after a night out.
Citrus
Citrus can be some of the healthiest foods for you in the world. Oranges and grapefruits are crammed with vitamin C and other essential nutrients for your body. But there is just one problem: citrus is incredibly acidic.
Acid wears away at the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to bacteria and plaque. Too much citrus can make your teeth vulnerable to increased dental issues.
Sour Candy
Every type of candy is bad for your teeth. Sour candy contains a mix of different acids that are all harmful if eaten in excess. You shouldn’t be eating too many sweets because of the high sugar content, but you also have acidity to look out for. Try substituting sour candy for chocolate when you are in the mood for a treat. It is easier to brush chocolate off of your teeth!
Protect Your Teeth and Gums with the Right Diet
You don’t have to stop eating your favorite foods or drinking your favorite drinks. Just make sure to consume everything in moderation and invest in a good dental hygiene routine every day. Don’t wait too long to brush your teeth after eating something that is rich in sugar or high in acid. Doing so can result in tartar and infection throughout the teeth and gums.
It’s time to take care of your teeth the right way. Visit us at Alta Dental Care and learn more about the benefits of professional periodontal care in Upland when you speak to our friendly experts today!