Healthy Mouth and a Healthier You

Good and Bad Food for Teeth: Ask the Dentist

Dentist Steven E. Roth, DMD, answers your additional questions about good and bad eating habits for your teeth.

Question:

I didn't get enough calcium when I was younger, and I suspect my teeth are not as strong as they should be as an adult. Is there anything I can do to make my teeth stronger and less likely to crack now that I'm in my 40s?

Answer:

The link between calcium as a child and the strength of adult teeth is not proven. If your teeth are cracking, it's probably the result of failing fillings. The most important nutritional advice I can give you is to reduce the pH or acid content in your mouth, and avoid soda, which leaches the calcium from your body. Xylitol gum, anti-caries rinses, and fluoride supplements will all "harden" your teeth and make them less susceptible to cavities.

Question:

Within the past several months, I have become addicted to brushing my teeth with baking soda, and rubbing alcohol. Are there any dangers to this?

Answer:

Alcohol, as you know, is a highly addictive substance, and repeated use can lead to oral cancer. Baking soda has some benefits, but is too abrasive to use regularly. Get "addicted" to an ADA approved toothpaste.

Question:

Are hard candies, like Jordan almonds, bad for your teeth? What about sticky ones, like salt water taffy?

Answer:

Candy and taffy are bad for several reasons. The hardness and stickiness can break teeth, loosen fillings, and yank out crowns. The sugar content allows bacteria to proliferate and create cavities. And most importantly, candy creates an acidic environment in the saliva, which becomes a breeding ground for deep decay.

Question:

Are there any foods or drinks you should avoid giving children so their adult teeth don't come in discolored?

Answer:

Food and drinks like coffee, red wine, and tea can discolor the teeth on the outside. But those drinks aren't for children. Sodas are the worst possible drinks due to the high acid content. Acid in the saliva allows cavities to form and grow on your teeth.

Question:

Other than carbonated drinks, and foods that contain sugar or acid, what foods are bad for the teeth? Does coffee "eat through" your teeth by depleting them of calcium?

Answer:

Unrestricted, at-will sugar consumption has long been known to promote tooth decay, which is the single most common chronic childhood disease — five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. A lack of certain nutrients can also make it more difficult for tissues in the mouth to resist infection. The largest calcium depleters are sodas.

Question:

Occasionally, I will develop mouth ulcers. It seems to happen when I've eaten highly acidic foods. Most times they just appear, but they can take up to a week to heal. Are there any OTC treatment options that are consistently effective for mouth ulcers?

Answer:

It sounds like what you have are canker sores. The exact cause of canker sores in unknown. They last 7-10 days, and heal on their own. There are several over-the-counter medications that will cover and numb the sores so they don't hurt while you're eating.

Question:

What is the cause of excessive saliva? It just suddenly started, and now I have to spit all the time.

Answer:

Excess salivation can be caused by several conditions. Disease of the ear, nose, or throat can cause excess secretions, as can a lung infection. The first step is to see your physician. The second step is to see your dentist to diagnose any salivary problems.

Question:

Why do my teeth hurt after eating sweets?

Answer:

The cause of your pain may be a cavity, a cracked tooth, or receding gums. Please see your dentist for a diagnosis, because that shouldn't be ignored.

Question:

I have a white, thick slime that forms on my front teeth throughout the day. I usually have to wipe it off with a paper towel. What is causing this?

Answer:

Wow. This could be saliva, excess plaque, mucous secretions, a sinus infection, a throat infection, or a bevy of other possible problems. See your local dentist for a diagnosis first.

Question:

I have developed tonsil stones, which are apparently anaerobic bacteria 'clumps', along with food that collects in pockets in the back of my mouth. I've dislodged them, but they seem to come back after a week or so. They don't cause me any pain or trouble. But I would rather not have putrefying bacteria in my mouth. Any tips on how to prevent these from coming back?

Answer:

I would see an ENT (an ear, nose, and throat) specialist for consultation on possible tonsil removal. Oral rinses may help, but it sounds like an ENT issue.

Question:

I have little yellow-green bits coming up out of the back of my throat. I floss and brush twice a day and use mouthwash. Could this be pieces of food that has gotten lodged in my esophagus?

Answer:

It sounds like an ENT or gastroenterology issue. Gastric reflux can be very damaging to the esophagus, as well as the teeth. Oral rinses may help, but it sounds like a medical problem. Start with your internist.

Question:

I have rinsed my mouth with peroxide every day for quite a while. Could this cause white spots inside my mouth and on my gums?

Answer:

Pure peroxide is a very caustic substance that can burn tissue. If you want to rinse with hydrogen peroxide, you must dilute it with water, at least a 2:1 ratio of water to peroxide. Peroxide does help kill a lot of germs, but use it in combination with mouthwash and regular flossing.

Question:

How can I improve my denture bite? Some of my favorite foods are really hard to eat now.

Answer:

Wearing and functioning with dentures can be very difficult. I would strongly recommend consulting with a dentist about adding a few implants to the equation. Dental implants are an unbelievable innovation that stabilizes and anchors the dentures.

The problem could also be that your bite and the shape of the teeth just need to be altered slightly. So see the dentist that fabricated your dentures.

Question:

I'm going to the dentist for a root canal in an hour. I've had a few glasses of wine. Will this be a problem with the novocaine injections?

Answer:

It is never a good idea to drink alcohol right before a dental appointment. Alcohol affects your blood clotting system, and depresses the central nervous system. Not to mention how it can affect your in-office behavior. If you have anxiety, it is much better to tell the dentist beforehand and so you can discuss your options.

Question:

Is coffee bad for your teeth?

Answer:

Coffee stains the teeth. But such stains can be polished off. The sweeteners that many people use in their coffee are far more dangerous for the teeth, as they feed the bacteria that create cavity-causing acids in the mouth. Caffeine interferes with natural saliva production, which can cause dry mouth and also lead to tooth decay.

Thank you for joining us for WebMD Ask the Dentist. Be sure to check in on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. ET, when we'll discuss the best hygienic habits for your teeth and gums. Sign up if you'd like an email reminder the day before the event.