New Jersey Cosmetic Dentist Thomas Streko: The Five Worst Foods For Your Teeth
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by: MattCBA
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We all grew up hearing that certain foods were bad for us and certain foods were good for us. But as we’ve gone through adulthood, some of the things we grew up believing have turned out to be wrong. We’ve heard eggs raise cholesterol, and then that they don’t. We learned red meat makes you strong, and later, that red meat causes heart disease. Could it be that the foods our mothers told us were bad for our teeth are actually healthy? Well…yes and no.
Candy and sweets
When mom said candy would “rot your teeth,” she was right. But only about some kinds of candy – the hard kind, like lollipops and cough drops, and the sticky kind, like caramels and gummy bears. The reason is fairly obvious – since they’re sticky, they tend to cling to your teeth – and the longer they stick around, the more damage they can cause. But there is some good news for those of us who have a sweet tooth. Chocolate is a fairly harmless indulgence, because the sugar in chocolate is mixed with fat, which doesn’t hang around in your mouth.
Starchy foods
Maybe Dr. Atkins (of the famous no-carbs diet) should have been a dentist – when it comes to causing tooth decay, breads, potatoes, rice and the like can be dangerous. The reason? Small pieces can easily get stuck between or behind your teeth, especially in the back of your mouth. And bacteria love nothing more than to chow down on some tasty carbohydrates. So if you can’t brush your teeth after eating a sandwich at lunch or a bagel at the office, swirl some water in your mouth to loosen the bits that may be stuck.
Carbonated Sodas
This is definitely a no brainer. Sodas are packed with more sugar than you would ever consider adding on your own to a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea. Plus, soft drinks also contain acids that erode your tooth enamel. But sodas aren’t the only drinks that can wreak havoc on your smile. Energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks and pre-sweetened teas contain as much sugar as some soft drinks. Even fruit juice has a high sugar content that makes it less than ideal from a dental health standpoint.
Alcoholic drinks
While recent studies have shown that a bit of booze is some sort of miracle cure, doing everything from preventing heart disease to prolonging life, it’s still not a winner in the dental department. Why? Alcohol dries out your mouth, preventing saliva from doing its job of keeping surfaces clean. Some medicines can also have the same effect. So if you enjoy a drink or must medicate, be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Lemons
True, they’re not sugary or sticky. But lemons pose a different sort of problem for teeth – they’re highly acidic. They can erode the enamel right off of your teeth. So if you love lemons, don’t suck on them. Squeeze the juice in some water to dilute it or enjoy them mixed with foods or other drinks.
Westfield, New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Streko has extensive experience keeping teeth healthy, as well as providing cosmetic treatments to help create your perfect smile. Find out more about Dr. Streko’s practice at www.drstreko.com or call his office at 866-512-7885.
About the Author
About Dr. Thomas Streko, D.M.D.: Dr. Thomas Streko has been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry for more than 20 years in New Jersey, and is committed to remaining on the leading edge of dental technologies and treatment. General and Cosmetic Dentistry Education and Training: Dr. Thomas Streko received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and went on to receive his D.M.D. from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1978. After graduation, Dr. Streko completed a three-year residency in the U.S. Public Health Service at the National Institute of Health. In 1991, Dr. Streko became an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – a distinguished honor bestowed on those who have completed more than 200 hours of cosmetic dentistry continuing education. He has also presented numerous cosmetic treatment cases throughout Union County, New Jersey, including photographic documentation, and passed rigorous oral and written examinations given by the academy’s board. The program is extensive, and there are only a handful of accredited members in New Jersey. Dr. Thomas Streko is presently working toward his fellowship in the academy. Once achieved, he will be the only dentist in the entire state of New Jersey to attain fellowship status with the academy. He is also a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the New Jersey Dental Association. Continuing Education and Community Involvement: Dr. Thomas Streko remains on the leading edge of dental treatment and technology by taking 100 hours of continuing education each year. He also shares his depth of experience with others, teaching cosmetic dentistry to dental interns at Overlook Hospital in Union County, New Jersey. In addition, he is the program coordinator for the New Jersey division of Give Back a Smile. The program, sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, provides free dental treatment to battered women. To learn more about New Jersey cosmetic dentistry and Dr. Thomas Streko, please visit http://www.DrStreko.com
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