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Eating foods that are good for your teeth will help keep them healthy and strong. On the other hand, there are also some foods that have been known to cause or worsen certain oral health issues. Read on to learn more about how different foods and beverages can badly affect your oral health. 

• Sugary Foods

Eating foods and drinks with high amounts of sugar in them can wreak havoc on your teeth. Over time, the sugars can cause tooth decay and may even lead to cavities.

• Acidic Foods

It’s no secret that eating acidic foods affects your dental health. The acid found in this food can erode your tooth enamel and lead to severe dental problems, including tooth decay and even tooth loss.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods can become stuck between your teeth, making it difficult to clean them through brushing and flossing. They can also possibly break fillings or cause damage to your teeth. These foods also increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

• Hard Foods

Hard foods, such as ice or hard candy, can be harmful to your teeth. If you bite into ice and chip a tooth, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and dental decay. Hard candy is even worse due to its sugar content. Sugar increases your risk of tooth decay, so avoiding hard candy or chewing ice is essential.

• Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are some of the worst offenders for oral health. This is true for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This is because they all contain sugar. Too much sugar in the diet will damage the teeth and gums. Specifically, sugar will damage the enamel and cause cavities and bad breath. Besides, alcohol can also cause dry mouth, which is another cause of tooth decay. 

• Coffee

Coffee is one of the worst beverages for oral health. This staining beverage can stain teeth, and the acidity in coffee can wear down tooth enamel. When you drink coffee, consider drinking it through a straw so that the liquid bypasses your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee.

• Tobacco Products

Cigarettes and chewing tobacco are two of the most harmful habits to your oral health. Both products contain dangerous chemicals that instantly stain your teeth, as well as cause oral cancer, gum disease, and receding gums.

To know more or schedule your consultation with our dentists, call our Springfield Location at (417) 887-3100 or the Branson West office at (417) 272- 3352.