Supermarkets in Akron are filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. All healthy foods are beneficial for your overall health and nutrition level. However, that might not be true for all cases; some foods, in spite of their variable health benefits, can damage your overall oral health. You need to know about these pitfalls so that you can take measures to avoid falling into these traps. To learn more about these damaging foods, you should consult Cosmetic dentistry in Akron, OH, to be aware of these traps and protect your gums and teeth. 

What are the foods you must be concerned with?

Generally, foods that are high in sugar content or sticky are considered to be bad for your teeth. Sticky foods have a much higher chance of damaging your teeth more quickly since they tend to stick to your teeth for a much longer time and give birth to bacteria that certainly affect your teeth and gums. Acidic foods are also known for the amount of damage they cause to your tooth enamel. The intake of foods that are acidic and sugary can cause extreme harm to your overall teeth and gums. 

Here is the list of some known healthy foods that may be beneficial for your health, but dentists recommend at least brush or floss after the consumption of these items to help keep your overall oral health considerately reasonable, it includes:

• Citrus fruits 

Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are known for their vitamin C and other nutrient value. However, due to their high acidity value, it may result in the erosion of the tooth enamel over some time, which may lead to the risk of an increase in sensitivity and a high risk of cavities. 

• Dried fruits

Dried-up fruits, like apricots, raisins, and prunes, are mostly consumed due to their high nutrient value and convenient, healthy options. However, these are high in natural sugar content and sticky, which may promote bacterial growth and lead to tooth and gum damage. The issue of tooth decay can occur if not cleaned thoroughly.

• Nuts and seeds 

Foods like nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. However, the hardness of these foods can affect your teeth, especially if you bite them too hard; this may lead to chips or cracks in your teeth. Also, tiny seeds may get stuck between teeth and gums, which can cause irritation or infection.

• Whole grains

The concept of whole grains plays an essential role in our balanced diet, which cannot be ignored; they provide vitamins, fiber, and minerals. However, some grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread can get stuck in the gaps between your teeth, which will eventually promote bacterial growth and plaque buildup. 

• Tomatoes 

Yes, tomatoes can be a sign of risk to your overall oral health. Tomatoes contain vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and some other beneficial compounds that are good for health. However, their nature of acidity may weaken the tooth enamel, which you may consume in large amounts at the time of the intake of tomato sauce. 

• Pickled vegetables

Options like pickled vegetables are often consumed for their probiotic benefits and low-calorie content. However, the vinegar used in these pickles is highly acidic and can cause erosion of tooth enamel when frequently consumed.

How can you protect your oral health? 

It is equally important to consume all the beneficiary foods, but knowing the impact and limitations of these food items will help to protect your oral health in the long term. Hence, here are some points that need to be noted to preserve your gums and teeth: consumption of water, practicing good and regular oral hygiene, using a straw to have acidic beverages, chewing sugar-free gums, and visiting your dentist regularly.