7 Kinds of Food and Drinks That Can Cause Gum Disease
Good oral hygiene is a must for your overall health, and it’s a great method for avoiding any painful experiences that would involve your teeth and gums. Allowing plaque to develop can often be too unpleasant. Consult a dentist on the state of your dental health and rectify any current indicators of issues like gum disease.
There are plenty of practices that can help prevent and protect your teeth and gums from reaching such a state, such as brushing your teeth every day and setting a regular dental appointment. However, one of the main causes of certain gum diseases can be overexposure to food, which can cause much more plaque that’ll eventually turn into tartar.
Practice regulating what you eat. Here are a few food and drinks that can cause gum disease when you eat too much of them:
1) Softdrinks
Carbonated drinks such as soda and sports drinks can be quite a good refreshment, but it’s actually one of the most common causes of gum disease. The drink's composition essentially turns the sugar into acid, which can erode the natural enamel of your teeth. Drinking these can also cause your mouth to dry out more, which lessens the moisture your gums need.
2) Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages like bubbly champagne also cause the same effect as softdrinks. Other variations with a high alcohol content also slow down and stop saliva flow, which is why it’s best to avoid drinking too much. Hydrate promptly with a glass of water and brush your teeth after wine nights and any other drinking sessions in the future.
3) Tea and Coffee
Some people debate over whether tea is better than coffee or vice versa. Whichever side you’re on, do try to remember that consuming too much of either drink will likely reduce your mouth’s saliva production. Try to cut back on the caffeine after having your regular dose, no matter how tempting it is to make another cup.
4) Popcorn
Movies are much more enjoyable with a bag full of popcorn, but you should avoid having marathons with too much of this delicious snack. The husks and kernels of the popcorn can often lodge in between the teeth, with some even sneaking between the gum and tooth. Having this stuck for too long can cause oral infections, gum disease, and tooth loss.
5) Acidic Fruits
It’s best to eat more fruits and vegetables for our overall health, though be wary of the citrus variations. Oranges, lemons, and limes contain way too much acid, especially when juiced. It can be quite a problem when you drink too much of it. Be sure to liquefy alternatives from time to time, such as apples and peaches.
6) Sugary Sweets
Gum, candies, chocolates and other kinds of sweet desserts are the best, but it’s best not to eat too much of it. Sucking and chewing on these sugar-filled treats can create plenty of bacteria in your teeth and gums. It’s important to brush your teeth as soon as possible after consuming your favorite sweets.
7) Starch Goods
Almost nothing beats a plate of pasta and garlic bread. However, keep in mind that the carbohydrates in starch can eventually convert to sugar, which can be harmful when it coats the teeth and gums for too long. Try searching for whole-grain baked goods and other alternatives every now and then to ensure that you won’t tip into having diabetes or gum disease.
Conclusion
Everything’s best in moderation, and the same principle applies to many food and drinks. While you can still enjoy them from time to time, just make sure that you don’t sacrifice your oral health for it. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease, get an emergency dental appointment.
Interested in getting gum disease treatment in Denver? G-Dental32 offers dental services such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and more. Set an appointment today!
