We typically are more concerned as we age about eating or drinking things that will be bad for our health—whether its about gaining weight or staying heart healthy. But one part of the body that shouldn’t be overlooked is our mouth, as tooth problems can be quite painful and even lead to other conditions throughout the body.
Seeing a dentist every six months, brushing twice a day, and flossing regularly can all help maintain a healthy mouth, but limiting these five foods and drinks can also play a big part. Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at what you should be avoiding.
- Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated soda—whether it has sugar or not—can do plenty of damage to your teeth, especially if you’re sipping these beverages throughout the course of the day. The carbonation allows more acid to be formed on the teeth, which attacks tooth enamel. Dark-colored sodas can also cause stains.
- Potato Chips
After potato chips are crunched and chewed down, they tend to stick in and in between the teeth. The starch from the chips also turns into sugar, which causes bacteria to thrive in between the teeth. To counteract this issue, it’s a good idea to floss after eating chips.
- Ice
Chewing on hard substances like ice can damage enamel and also are known to cause chips or cracks in teeth and loosen crowns.
- Citrus
Eating a piece of fruit has plenty of health benefits, but you should at least rinse your mouth out with water after having citrus—or even squeezing a lemon or lime wedge into a drink. The acid from these fruits can erode enamel and also be bothersome to mouth sores.
- Alcohol
Dark-colored drinks, such as red wine, can stain teeth, and drinking alcohol also dries out the mouth. A lack of saliva will allow food to stick to your teeth, and saliva can also repair early signs of gum disease and tooth decay.
To learn more about Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://glens-falls-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
