General Dentistry: Food and Drinks that May Affect Oral Health

Going to a general dentistry appointment is vital for your teeth and gums. People who neglect these appointments may have tooth decay or gum disease without even knowing it. There are things that you can do at home to promote good oral health. Daily brushing and flossing will help your smile look good. There are also foods and beverages that you should limit. Doing so will reduce your risk of having cavities and other problems.

General dentistry help: Signs of tooth decay

General dentistry offices handle cavity issues perhaps more than any other dental condition. The dentist may have to detect these by taking X-rays. Still, patients can have a good idea that these problems are present. A severe toothache is a sign that the person has a cavity. If the pain gets worse or does not improve with the use of medication, the patient should call the dentist. Sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli also indicates the presence of tooth decay.

What to avoid: Soda

Soda is perhaps the biggest culprit of oral health problems. This popular drink contains large quantities of sugar. When a person drinks soda, the sugars can stay on the teeth for a long period. The biggest mistake people make is drinking soda and then not brushing their teeth for several hours. By not brushing, the patient runs the risk of the sugars staying on the teeth, which can eat away at the tooth enamel.

Sticky foods

Sticky candy can pose a few different problems for people. General dentistry offices regularly treat people who have pulled out a tooth by eating a piece of caramel. Other sticky foods such as suckers and gum can remove fillings or take out crowns or veneers. Sticky foods also have a high sugar content.

Starchy foods

Foods high in starch can be an enemy to good oral health. Like sugars, the starches can stay on the teeth for a long time. When this happens, the starch can deteriorate the enamel of the tooth, causing tiny holes on the surface. Starchy foods such as bread can also lodge in between teeth. Without proper flossing, this can lead to bacteria buildup and leave plaque and tartar on the teeth and at the gumline.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol in moderation is good for many reasons. Excessively drinking it can also have oral health impacts. General dentistry professionals regularly treat people whose drinking habits have led to dental issues. Alcohol can increase the person’s chances of developing sleeping apnea. It can also dry out the mouth. This makes a patient more prone to having bad breath and the formation of bacteria in the mouth.