By now, everyone knows that consuming loads of candy, pastries and other “junk food” items can lead to tooth decay. However, you may be surprised to find out that there are other cavity-causing foods and beverages that you should be weary of. Continue reading to discover what they are and how your local dentist can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy!
#1 – Raisins
Generally, it’s better to eat fruits in place of candy or other highly processed sweets. Raisins, which are dehydrated grapes, lose volume during the process of the water being removed, but their sugar content remains the same. Because of their small size, people tend to eat more of them, which can translate into a higher-than-normal sugar intake. This can contribute to increased bacteria and plaque growth.
#2 – Saltine Crackers
When eating a warm bowl of soup, many people love to include a heap of saltine crackers. The problem is they’re full of processed carbohydrates (sugars) that can take a toll on your teeth and gums. That’s because as the carbohydrates break down and convert to glucose (the simplest form of sugar), they attract bacteria.
#3 – Alcoholic Beverages
Becoming intoxicated isn’t the only thing to worry about when drinking alcohol. Although beer, wine and liquor contain their fare share of sugar, the main problem they present is that they contribute to dry mouth. When saliva production is low, the mouth becomes susceptible to bacteria growth and the development of dental health issues, like gum inflammation (gingivitis) and disease (periodontitis).
#4 – Cough Syrup
This may seem like an unfair placement, given that cough syrup is generally used to fight the symptoms related to the common cold, and not for pleasure fulfillment. The fact still remains that the sugary syrup can negatively impact your teeth and gums.
When it comes to eating raisins or saltine crackers and drinking alcohol, one of the simplest dental health remedies is to cut back or eliminate their consumption all together. If you’re fighting a cold, though, you certainly shouldn’t avoid taking cough syrup for fear of how it will impact your dental health. Instead, you should be more diligent in your oral hygiene efforts. The more often you brush and floss your teeth, the better your chances will be of preventing plaque growth.
It also helps to drink more water. In addition to keeping you hydrated, the wondrous liquid helps to flush your mouth of lingering debris.
A final way to fortify your dental health is to visit your dentist in Dublin on a regular basis. By doing so, any developing issues can be identified and treated before they can become major challenges.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Because he understands how vital preventive dentistry is to maintain optimal dental health, he encourages his patients to take advantage of semi-annual checkups and cleanings. Dr. Buck provides comprehensive care at Distinctive Smiles, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.