8 foods and drinks you should avoid

Sometimes, your eating and drinking habits are the culprits responsible for damaging your teeth. Moreover, some foods, albeit looking innocent, can put you at risk of a wide variety of oral diseases. Therefore, remember to avoid the following foods and drinks!

Practicing good oral hygiene isn’t just about keeping your teeth healthy. It also has a huge impact on your general well-being. 

Common oral diseases

1. Cavities

According to WHO, it’s estimated that 60 - 90% of school-age children have cavities. Most adults struggle with the same woes. Cavities are mainly caused by plaque buildup on the teeth, which results in the production of enamel-damaging acids.

You can prevent cavities by brushing your teeth twice a day, use dental floss, and get tartar removal every 6 months or so.

2. Gum diseases 

Most diseases of the gum start with gum inflammation caused by plaque irritating the soft tissues along the gumlines. This gets worse as bacteria build-up. As a result, your gums start to recede and your teeth become loose. Missing teeth and gum infection are to be expected.

3. Infectious diseases 

Most commonly oral herpes, occur in people who have been exposed to herpes simplex virus. Fungal and viral infections are also common in HIV patients. The condition is usually associated with ulcers on the lips, under the tongue, and on the soft tissues of the inner cheeks.

4. Cancer

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 45,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer or throat cancer every year. Frequent dental examinations are of utmost importance in identifying these cancers as they usually don’t cause any significant signs or symptoms in early stages.

Sometimes your daily eating habits are the ones responsible for damaging your teeth. Moreover, many seemingly harmless foods are the cause of serious oral diseases. Let’s find out what they are!

Are you a fan of the foods and drinks mentioned above? If so, do your best to avoid or limit your consumption of them to steer clear of cavities and other oral diseases. Besides, don’t forget to brush twice per day to maintain bright and healthy teeth!