What you eat doesn’t just affect your overall health. Foods high in sugar and starch can feed harmful bacteria in your mouth and cause tooth decay and gum disease. These bacteria feed on leftover food particles and produce acids that can damage your enamel. Over time, this can cause cavities, gum irritation, and even gum recession.
You can protect your teeth and gums by avoiding too much sugar and starch and eating a balanced diet. Let’s take a closer look at how sugary and starchy foods affect your oral health, and how our dental office in Cockeysville, MD, can help.
The Worst Foods for Your Oral Health
Some foods are worse for your teeth and gums than others. Here’s a list of foods you should try to limit to keep your smile healthy:
- Candy: Sticky or sugary candies can cling to your teeth, giving bacteria plenty of time to cause damage.
- Baked sweets and pastries: Cookies, cakes, and other baked goods are often loaded with sugar and refined flour, which can harm your teeth.
- White bread: This breaks down into simple sugars that bacteria love to feed on.
- Sugary cereal: Many breakfast cereals are high in sugar, which can stick to your teeth.
- Potato chips: These starchy snacks can get stuck in your teeth and break down into sugar.
- Fruit cups: While fruit is healthy, many canned or packaged fruit cups are packed with added sugar.
Refined sugars and starches are especially bad because they attract harmful bacteria. But sugar isn’t just in candy and desserts. It can also hide in drinks like fruit juices, sports drinks, iced tea, and other bottled beverages. Even drinks that seem healthy can be full of sugar, so it’s important to read labels and choose wisely.
To protect your smile, try to drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and choose whole grains over refined ones. Cutting back on sugary drinks and snacks can also make a difference. While it’s okay to enjoy sweets in moderation, balancing your diet and keeping your mouth clean will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
How to Improve Your Oral Health in Cockeysville, MD
Taking care of your teeth and gums is a team effort between you and your dentist. Here are some steps you can take to keep your smile healthy:
- Visit the Dentist Regularly: We recommend seeing your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. During these visits, our hygienists use special tools to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Regular cleanings help prevent problems like gum disease and cavities before they start.
- Watch for Early Signs of Trouble: If you notice symptoms like toothaches, bleeding gums, swollen or red gums, or tooth sensitivity, don’t wait—call us right away. These could be early signs of decay or gum disease. We can also take dental X-rays to spot problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to keep your teeth strong. But don’t forget to floss! Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. For the best results, floss before brushing.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth moist. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath and increase the risk of bacterial buildup. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria, so staying hydrated helps your body produce enough saliva to protect your teeth.
Why Choose Valley Dental Health?
At Valley Dental Health, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. Whether you need a routine cleaning, have questions about your oral health, or are dealing with a dental problem, we’re here to help. Our team provides personalized care to meet your needs and answer any questions you may have.
If you’re due for a checkup or have concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let us know if you have any questions or if there’s anything we can do to help you feel more comfortable during your visit.
Final Thoughts
Your diet plays a huge role in your oral health. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, steer clear of sugary and starchy foods, drink lots of water, and make sure to brush regularly. Regular dental visits are also key to catching problems early and keeping your smile in great shape.
If you’re in the Cockeysville, MD, area, we’d love to help you take care of your smile. Whether you need a routine cleaning, have questions about your oral health, or are experiencing issues, our team is here to provide the care you need. Call 443-733-6613 or request your next dental consultation with us on our website.