When it comes to maintaining good oral health, the foods you eat can have a big impact on the health of your teeth. While some foods can promote healthy teeth, others can cause damage that can lead to decay and other dental problems. In this post, we’ll take a look at the 7 worst foods for your teeth, and why you should avoid them.
1) Sugary Drinks
You probably know about this one! Sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks are some of the worst culprits when it comes to damaging your teeth.
These drinks contain high levels of sugar and acid, which can erode your tooth enamel over time and lead to cavities.
2) Candy
This one is another given. Most types of candy are loaded with sugar, making them a major contributor to tooth decay.
Not all candies are created equal, though. Sticky candies, such as gummies and taffy, are particularly harmful as they can stick to your teeth and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
3) Ice
While water is actually good for your teeth, this isn’t the case once it freezes. Chewing on ice may seem harmless, but it can actually cause serious damage to your teeth.
The hard surface of ice can chip or crack your teeth, leading to expensive dental repairs. It may be nice when it’s hot outside, but chewing on ice isn’t worth the potential cost.
4) Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits may be a healthy snack choice, but they can also be harmful to your teeth. The acid in these fruits can erode your tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and decay.
So, try and limit your consumption of citrus fruits if you’re concerned about your teeth. Or, at least drink plenty of water when eating them.
5) Dried Fruit
This one may surprise you. Dried fruit is often marketed as a healthy snack, but it can be a hidden source of sugar and damage to your teeth.
The sticky texture of dried fruit can cling to your teeth and promote the growth of harmful bacteria. It’s not much better than sticky candy.
6) Potato Chips
Not all brands of potato chips contain a lot of sugar, but they are full of starch. Starch is another substance that can get trapped in your teeth and promote the growth of bacteria.
Additionally, the crunch of potato chips can cause small fractures in your teeth over time. This may be especially true with kettle-cooked or other hard varieties.
7) Coffee
Unfortunately, yes, coffee is on this list! While coffee may be a morning staple for many, it can be harmful to your teeth in a few ways.
Not only can the dark colour of coffee stain your teeth over time, but the acid in coffee can erode your tooth enamel. This can lead to tooth discoloration and sensitivity.
The Bottom Line
Avoiding these 7 worst foods for your teeth can go a long way in promoting good oral health. By making healthier food choices, you can help protect your teeth and prevent dental problems down the road.
So next time you’re reaching for a snack, think twice about the impact it may have on your pearly whites. It may prevent you from dealing with dental issues down the road.
Interested in learning more about preventing dental issues? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Hale Wellness Dental Studio, and book a preventative assessment with us today.