Dental health is vital for your overall health, but it’s easy to damage your teeth without even realizing it. There are a lot of different foods and drinks that can hurt your teeth, and some of them might surprise you. Here are some of the worst offenders when it comes to damaging your teeth:
Sticky sweets
Caramels, taffy, and gummies might taste great, but they’re terrible for your teeth. These sweets stick to your teeth and are hard to remove, even with regular brushing. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay. In some instances, sticky sweets can even pull out fillings or cause other damage to your teeth.
If you can’t resist these kinds of sweets, brush your teeth soon after eating them. Additionally, ensure that you floss regularly to remove any bits of candy that might be stuck in your teeth.
Citrus fruits
While citrus fruits are good for your overall health, they can be tough on your teeth. The acidity in these fruits can break down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity, cavities, and other problems.
For instance, oranges are a particularly acidic fruit, and their juice can do a lot of damage to your teeth. Similarly, drinking lemonade or other citrus-flavored drinks can also harm your teeth if consumed regularly.
Citrus fruits aren’t necessarily bad for your teeth, but you should be careful about how often you consume them. If you do eat citrus fruits, make sure to brush your teeth soon afterward. You might also want to consider using a straw to limit the acid’s contact with your teeth.
Coffee and tea
Many people start their day with a cup of coffee or tea, but tea and coffee can actually stain your teeth over time. Thus, minimize the consumption of coffee and tea, or at least brush your teeth soon after drinking them.
In addition, avoid adding sugar to your coffee or tea. Sugar can cause cavities, and it will make any staining worse. If you sweeten your coffee or tea, consider using a sugar substitute instead of sugar. Additionally, too hot tea or coffee can cause teeth sensitivity. Thus, wait for your beverage to cool down before taking a sip.
It is recommended that you visit a dental professional if you notice stains or experience sensitivity to ensure that there are no other underlying issues. The dentist can give you specific instructions on protecting your teeth from further damage. They might also recommend professional teeth whitening if the staining is particularly severe.
Bread
Bread is a staple in many diets, but it’s also one of the worst foods for your teeth. When you eat bread, it turns into sugar in your mouth, and this can lead to cavities. Additionally, the gluten in bread can stick to your teeth and cause problems.
If you do eat bread, make sure to brush your teeth soon after. Eating bread with other foods can also help to offset the damage it does to your teeth. For instance, eating bread with cheese can actually help to protect your teeth.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can dehydrate you, leading to a dry mouth. A dry mouth lacks saliva, which is essential to keep the teeth healthy. Drinking too much alcohol can cause dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Moreover, alcohol can interact with certain medications, such as those used to treat anxiety and depression. This can make the side effects of the medication worse, and it can also lead to dry mouth.
It’s best to limit your alcohol consumption or at least drink plenty of water throughout the day, particularly after drinking alcohol. This will help to offset the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Additionally, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly before going to bed to remove any sugar or alcohol that might be on your teeth.
Potato Chips
Potato chips are one of the worst foods for your teeth because they’re full of sugar and starch. Sugar can cause cavities, and starch can stick to your teeth and promote the growth of bacteria.
Additionally, potato chips are often very salty. Salt can contribute to tooth decay by promoting the growth of bacteria. Thus, avoiding potato chips or at least limiting your consumption is best.
If you do eat potato chips, make sure to brush your teeth soon afterward. You might also want to drink some water to help rinse away the sugar and starch.
We hope you found this article informative. Plenty of delicious foods out there can be bad for your teeth if you’re not careful. Next time you’re at the store, avoid these four types of foods to keep your smile looking its best! As always, be sure to visit a dental professional if you have any concerns about the health of your teeth.
