No one truly wants an ugly, unhealthy smile. However, for some people, they didn't take care of their teeth when they were younger or have fallen behind on oral hygiene habits in adulthood because of their busy lifestyles. This has resulted in less-than-perfect smiles. However, if you want to avoid tooth discoloration, premature tooth loss and the potential likelihood of needing dental implants, it can help to know the foods that are good for your teeth and the ones that aren't.
Bad: Soda
No matter what type of soda it is, it is laced with sugar. This sugar provides the bacteria in your mouth with the perfect feeding environment. The sugar, along with the acids, has cariogenic and acidogenic properties, which can lead to cavities and erosion of the enamel. The primary damage will be done to your front teeth, which are the teeth that come into primary contact with the soda as it enters your mouth. Your best bet is to eliminate it completely from your diet. If you cannot, or want to splurge every now and then, try to drink through a straw so that the soda doesn't hit the front of your teeth directly.
Good: Dairy Products
Whether you love cheese, milk or yogurt, you will be happy to hear that all of these are good for your teeth. With each delicious bite that you take, according to one study, you are potentially increasing the pH levels within the mouth, which is cutting away your risk at developing cavities. In this study, it was determined that cheese was the best out of all three.
Bad: Tea
Tea contains tannins, which can stain your teeth. This is true whether it is black tea, green tea or even chamomile tea – they all contain tooth-staining tannins. Some research does suggest that you can add a little bit of milk to your cup of tea to help reduce its tooth-staining ability. You can drink a glass of water after a cup of tea as well to help reduce the risk of staining.
Good: Fish
Phosphorus is the 2nd most prevalent mineral found in the body and it makes up 85 percent of your bones and teeth. It works with calcium to ensure your bones and teeth remain strong. This particular mineral can be found in dairy products as well as fish, such as salmon, halibut, tuna and cod. Other good sources of this mineral include nuts, beans, beef, chicken and whole grains.
Bad: Citrus Fruits
You may think that fruit is good for you, but certain ones may not be the best choice – at least when it comes to your teeth. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, may be bright, colorful and full of nutrients, but they can cause enamel erosion. This can then potentially expose the inner layer of your teeth, which is known as the dentin, and cause you pain and sensitivity. Ultimately, as long as you don't over-do it, you should be fine.
If you're worried about the health of your teeth, you won't be able to reverse the damage that has already been done with the aforementioned advice. However, you can make an appointment with a dentist (such as Bruce Mathes DDS) to determine what options you have available for restoring your smile and you can start now focusing on a healthier diet to preserve the rest of your teeth.
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