You likely already know that you need to brush your teeth, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. But have you heard the phrase, “you are what you eat”? This sentiment proves true for your oral health. The foods and beverages you consume can play a role in the well-being of your smile.
Including certain foods or drinks in your diet may pose a threat to your dental health. However, other food items can make your teeth stronger and reduce your risk of certain oral health problems.
When you know the impact that your diet can have on your smile, you can make more conscious decisions that will promote healthier teeth and gums. Explore food items that can hurt and help the health of your teeth when you read on.
Which Foods Might Crack a Tooth?
Your teeth function to help tear and grind the foods you eat. This means that they are designed to withstand pressure without issue. However, abnormal circumstances and accidents can cause a tooth to crack or chip.
This type of damage to your dental structure can affect your smile’s appearance. But it also creates a vulnerable spot in the tooth that can deepen over time and allow natural oral bacteria to hurt the tooth further. For this reason, you will want to seek urgent restoration from a dentist in the wake of tooth breakage.
Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can increase your chances of cracking a tooth. Pay attention to your habits and beware of risky food items, like:
- Bagels and hard breads
- Popcorn
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candy
Can Foods and Beverages Weaken the Teeth?
While you may suffer an acute dental injury if a food item cracks a tooth, certain foods and beverages can weaken your teeth gradually over time. The enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, consists of minerals that can deteriorate in the wake of acids and bacteria.
Acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits and juices, can therefore prove harmful to your dental structure. Sugar also becomes acidic when it reacts with saliva.
Limit acidic and sugary food items so that you can avoid weakening your teeth. Otherwise, dental erosion can allow oral bacteria to cause cavities and other dental issues.
How Can My Diet Help My Oral Health?
Though some foods can pose a threat to your smile, other items can make the teeth stronger. For example, calcium-rich foods and beverages will fortify the enamel of teeth. This way, they can better resist cavities, surface stains, and more.
Consume plenty of calcium, at least 1000 mg per day, to keep the teeth healthy and strong. Good sources of calcium include dairy products like cheese and leafy green vegetables.
In conjunction with good oral hygiene, a balanced diet will ensure your smile looks gorgeous and remains free of dental problems. Learn more about preventive dentistry by giving your dentist a call.