Pismo Beach dentist Perry Patel DDS is dedicated to improving dental health of his patients here on the Central Coast and beyond. What you eat and drink can play a huge role in not just your overall health, but also your dental health.

Here is a list of some of the worst and best foods for dental health:

Soda is a dentist’s worst nightmare. It’s widely known that sugar-laden, carbonated beverages are the worst for dental erosion.

Worst Foods

Citrus
Citrus fruits can be great for your overall health, providing needed vitamin C and other nutrients, but when it comes to your teeth, citrus’ acidity can erode enamel. Pismo Beach dentist Perry Patel DDS, recommends that you brush your teeth after eating citrus or drinking citrus juice.

Caramels and other sticky candy
A rule of thumb could be that the stickier a food is, the worst it is for your teeth. Candies that are chewy and sugary pack a double punch.

Soda
Soda is a dentist’s worst nightmare. It’s widely known that sugar-laden, carbonated beverages are the worst for dental erosion. Perhaps your science teacher demonstrated the experiment where he or she dropped a tooth into a coke and the tooth disappeared within a week or two. Diet sodas are no better; they contain citric and phosphoric acid, which can also increase enamel erosion.

Refined carbohydrates
The simple carbs found in crackers, white bread, pasta and baked goods convert to sugar in your mouth (and your body) very quickly, creating bacteria that causes cavities.

Wine and coffee
Wine and coffee both stain your teeth. The tannins in red wine can also dry out your mouth, which will worsen the staining. Studies show that even white wine can contribute to staining.

Best Foods

Sugarless gum
Sugarless gum, especially of the mint variety, can improve dental health in a variety of ways. First, it ups saliva production, which helps to fight bacteria. Second, it contains tooth-strengthening calcium. Also, sugar free gums often contain xylitol, which is an alcohol that can help to lessen bacteria.

Water
Water can help rinse away bacteria and acids out of your mouth.

Dairy products
Dairy products help to reduce tooth decay in two different ways: calcium helps to strengthen teeth, and casein, a type of protein, has been shown to repair enamel.

Leafy greens
It should come as no surprise that the foods that are healthiest for the body: leafy greens, are also the best type of food for teeth. Eating leafy greens cleans your teeth and ups salvia production, keeping your mouth cleaner.

Call Pismo Beach dentist Perry Patel, DDS today at (805) 489-4761.