It is very important to take proper care of your teeth all throughout your life. One of the best ways to do this is to avoid certain kinds of foods that can cause damage if eaten consistently. So what are the worst foods for your teeth? Keep reading to find out what you can avoid eating to keep your smile healthy and beautiful!
- Soda, sour candy, citrus, and dried fruit. These are all highly acidic and sugary foods. Too much of any of these can wear away your enamel while causing cavities at the same time. The stickiness makes them hard to brush away as well, while the acidic quality can make immediate brushing detrimental to your teeth. If you do eat these, do so sparingly and rinse your mouth with water thoroughly before brushing.
- Chips, crackers, and bread. Starchy foods begin turning to sugar even as you are chewing them. This means they leave a sticky film over all your teeth when you eat them. Sugar causes cavities as well as bacteria buildup in the form of plaque. Always be sure to floss and brush carefully after consuming any kind of starchy foods
- Coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol. All of these on their own dehydrate your mouth as well as the rest of your body. Without the proper amount of saliva, you are missing out on your teeth’s first line of defense. Saliva washes away particles and debris that would other wise stay and add to bacterial build up over time. In addition to this; coffee, tea, and soda will cause staining of your teeth… This goes for many mixers you could put in alcohol such as juice and soda as well. Wine is also known to stain and wear away at enamel due to its highly acidic nature.
- Ice. Ice is very hard and not meant to be chewed… Doing so can cause chips, cracks, and lots of other damage. Cracks and chips become breeding grounds and open doors to harmful bacteria and infections. If you are craving ice, see your doctor, since it can be a sign of certain deficiencies such as iron.
- Sports drinks and energy drinks. Many times, these drinks can have deceiving labels that make them seem healthy… However, a quick scan of the ingredients will tell you how sugary and acidic they may be. If you are looking for the best hydration, grab some bottled water with added electrolytes and no artificial flavorings or sugar.
- Popcorn. Popcorn is a popular but potentially dangerous snack for your teeth. It can get pieces very easily wedged between teeth and gums and cause a lot of discomfort. This also creates a haven for bacteria to grow very quickly as well. Eating popcorn also puts you at risk to accidentally bite down on a very hard kernel and cause damage. Popcorn also comes in many different flavors that can be sugary, sticky, and generally bad for your teeth.
- Vinegar. Too much vinegar erodes your enamel away and leaves your teeth and gums very vulnerable to infection. Avoid eating too many pickled things and acidic salad dressings as well.
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes are very acidic and like vinegar, can wear away your enamel very quickly. Be cautious of how many tomatoes, and how much ketchup you eat on a consistent basis.
As you can see, these foods are very common in daily life, so it is important to be aware of what they can do to your teeth. Always be sure after consuming acidic foods to rinse your mouth with water before brushing. It is also imperative to keep up with home dental hygiene as well as consistent dentist appointments. Contact us today, to schedule your next visit.