Most people are aware that their diet has a significant influence on their general health, but did you know that what you eat also impacts your oral health? There are certain foods, which are beneficial for your teeth and gums, as well as a number that are harmful. Here are 5 foods and drinks to avoid for healthy teeth and gums:

Sweets

Many of us enjoy a bag of jelly bears or sour cherries once in a while, but these sugary treats are really bad news for your teeth. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth start to feed off the sugar, which causes them to release plaque acids; plaque acids attack the enamel coating of the teeth and will eventually cause the enamel to become worn. Once the enamel is worn, it cannot be repaired.

Fizzy pop

Fizzy drinks have become increasingly popular over the last decade and studies show that consumption is higher than ever before. Fizzy drinks are laden with sugar, which is harmful for the protective enamel surface of the teeth and they can also cause staining.

Wine

Many people enjoy a glass of wine after a busy day at work, but wine is a poor choice as far as oral health as concerned; wine is acidic, which is damaging for the teeth and red wine is a major cause of staining. Acidic foods, like sugary foods, cause enamel erosion and once the enamel is worn, the risk of decay is increased

Crisps

Crisps may be viewed as a relatively healthy choice when it comes to oral health because they are savoury; however, they can actually be as harmful as sugary treats. Crisps are starchy foods and bacteria feed on the starch and release plaque acids. Crisps are also problematic because they tend to get stuck in the shallow furrows of the biting surfaces of the teeth.

Fruit juice

Fruit juice is commonly marketed as a healthy alternative to fizzy drinks, but it is actually bad for your teeth and this is because t is acidic and it contains a lot of sugar, Research has shown that many fruit juice products contain more sugar than cakes, biscuits and sweets. Fruit juice does have benefits for your general health, but if you are partial to drinking juice, try to stick to mealtimes, when our enamel is already under attack. For more oral health hints and tips contact the team at Harley Street Dental Studio in the city of London.