We all know that brushing and flossing are important ways to protect your teeth for the long run. But people often forget or don’t realize that certain foods and beverages can impact your oral health just as much as anything else.
For one, there are the foods that stain your teeth. An article on Web MD compared the effects of certain foods and beverage to that of a spill on a white tablecloth: your teeth are akin to the tablecloth. Whether you brush constantly or visit the dentist periodically, particular foods and drinks will impact your mouth in a negative way. We will get to those
Color and acidity are the main culprits for why your enamel can take a beating from what you put into your mouth. When food colorings and pigments are regularly consumed, tooth enamel is especially vulnerable and prone to stain that can be difficult to remove. Acidity is a big problem as it erodes of “opens” the dental enamel and makes it easier for food to stain the teeth while they are soft. And once those pigmented molecules, or chromogens, attach themselves to your teeth, color will tend to fade.
So, what food and beverages are the biggest culprits? Some will surprise you, and others you probably knew were detrimental to the coloration of your teeth. There’s the notable black coffee and black tea, both of which are dark and cause a dark staining reaction to your teeth. The acidity in sports drinks and colas will actually result in significant deterioration to the appearance of the teeth. When the enamel is “softened” by the acidity, foods that normally do not stain the teeth all of a sudden can become problematic. Berries, juices and sauces will stain one’s teeth along with sweets and hard candies, which can not only stain our teeth but also cause cavities from the sugar content.
Awareness is important when indulging in different kinds of food and drinks, even if they are healthy overall for your body. Staining is a simple cosmetic deterioration of the teeth, but again, when associated with acidic enamel softening beverages, can result in bigger problems like cavities and gum disease. The best advice is always to limit the consumption of certain foods altogether. Your smile will thank you later.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in high-quality pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults. Our orthodontists are also proud to be recognized as an Invisalign Preferred Providers. Our doctors have the ability to treat all patients, including those with special needs, in our office equipped with treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital when needed.
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI 48038
586-286-0700
www.mychildsteeth.com
