6 Foods to Avoid During Self-Isolation

Self-isolation can be a taxing experience, especially if you aren’t prepared to handle the mental stress that comes with staying in your home whenever possible. You may find that your daily schedule is non-existent and some of your habits have started to change. While certain change is inevitable, it’s still important to be mindful of maintaining a nutritious diet that helps boost your immune system and fortify your teeth and gums until you’re able to see your dentist again. Instead of ending up with an unexpected visit to your emergency dentist in Rochester, read on to learn what six foods you should be avoiding during self-isolation.

Foods to Avoid During Self-Isolation

Foods that are processed typically contain high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates, which can feed harmful oral bacteria and create the perfect environment for them to thrive in. They produce enamel-eroding acid and toxins that are known to cause several oral health problems, including cavities and gum disease. That’s why it’s a good idea to avoid foods, including:

• Sour candies are especially bad for your teeth because they contain a variety of acids that wear down your enamel. Plus, because they’re chewy, they adhere to the surface of your teeth for longer, feeding harmful oral bacteria.
• Although bread is delicious, when combined with your saliva, it films a sticky paste-like substance that attaches to hard-to-reach areas of your mouth and is high in carbohydrates.
• Alcoholic beverages (especially those with sugary mixers in them) are acidic and can cause bacteria accumulation in your mouth as well as enamel erosion.
• Too much citrus, such as grapefruit and lemons, are known to make teeth more vulnerable to decay.
• Although dried fruits seem like a healthy substitute, they can easily stick to teeth and contain heaps of added sugars that attract bacteria.
• Potato chips are the ultimate snack, but they’re also high in carbohydrates, and since we rarely eat a single potato chip, the acid production from this snack can linger for quite awhile.

It’s not like you have to completely cut out these snacks from your diet to improve your oral health. Simply be mindful of how frequently you’re exposing your mouth to them and make sure that you substitute them for healthier alternatives every once in awhile.

Immune-Boosting Vitamins to Include In Your Daily Diet

While you’re self-isolating, it can be difficult to curate your daily diet to include the vitamins and minerals you need to boost your oral immune system and keep your mouth healthy. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider taking supplements. Here are some vitamins to be sure to include in your daily diet:

• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A

Once your dentist in Rochester opens their doors for elective treatments again, be sure to schedule a checkup and cleaning to make sure that you were able to ward off oral health problems while you were self-isolating. With regular preventive care, you can rest-assured knowing that you’ll be able to continue enjoying your smile for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Katherine Vollo enjoys helping patients of all ages optimize their oral health. She is passionate about providing her patients with high-quality, comprehensive dental care, and is highly experienced conducting treatments of all kinds. During the COVID-19 crisis, she is solely focusing on providing emergency dental care and postponing all elective procedures. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Vollo Dental Group’s website or call 585-225-9114.