Worst Thanksgiving Foods For Your Teeth
Here at South Waterfront Dental we are happy it is thanksgiving week. We love sharing our gratitude with patients. Although thanksgiving is a time of fun and family it can also be a healthy smile nightmare. Instead of inviting cavities this holiday season think about these tips.
The foods you put in your mouth make a difference on your health. If you are sick a lot it could be the foods you are eating. A diet high in fat and sugar can run down your immune system, which means your body has to work twice as hard to stay healthy.
As you sit down with your friends and family for a holiday meal consider avoiding these thanksgiving foods for a healthy smile.
Think sticky and sugar as bad. Those acids can attack the enamel on your teeth, which starts the tooth decay process. The good news is you have the ability to choose what you eat, and even thought some foods are unhealthy for your oral health, there are plenty of good foods for your teeth.
Worst Foods
The worst choices for your teeth are heavy sugar foods like candy, cookies, cakes, pies, breads, muffins, even potato chips, pretzels and french fries. These types of foods have enormous amounts of sugar and salt in them. This can cause extra bacteria which leads to cavities.
The worst offenders are those that stay on your teeth for a long time— like Everlasting Gobstoppers or taffy. True the sugar will harm your teeth; but it’s also the amount of time your teeth are sitting with the sugar. That is what causes the real damage. If you eat taffy or sugar filled food, rinse your mouth with water after wards.
These foods are bad for your teeth too.
Dried fruits — think raisins, prunes and apricots, they are similar to candy caramels. Their sugars are very high in concentrate, and the texture will stick to teeth
Starchy foods — think white bread, potato chips and even french fries — these types of food can lodge themselves between your teeth and in the tiny crevices. Starches will begin converting to sugar, which is breeding ground for the bacteria build up.
Popcorn — Carmel corn is the worst. The sugar and corn gets in you mouth and cause bacteria build up. If you don’t floss regularly the popcorn can get stuck between your teeth. Popcorn husks will become wedged between your teeth, and uncooked kernels could damage teeth.
If you want a happy holiday season enjoy healthier alternatives.
From all of us at South Waterfront Dental, your choice the very best dental Portland Oregon has to offer, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy thanksgiving.