10 Foods that can Damage your Teeth

Good oral health is not just influenced by how you practice oral hygiene, it can also be based on the food you eat. That being said, it’s essential to be mindful of your food intake because it has a direct effect on your pearly whites.

Generally, experts suggest avoiding or limiting your consumption of sweet, sticky, starchy, carbonated food and drinks as well as pantry staples that have the tendency to cause mouth dryness. If you want to keep your teeth in great shape, here are 10 food items that you need to steer clear of.

1. Candies

Candies are particularly bad for the teeth because of their high sugar concentration. Aside from sugar content, hard candies can cause dental emergencies such as chipped tooth. Meanwhile, sour candies contain different types of acids that can cause tooth decay. And since they are sticky, they are tougher to wash away and tend to cling more to your teeth.

2. Dried fruits

While dried fruits are healthier snack alternatives compared to potato chips or a chocolate bar, they can also cause teeth problems. Just like candy, they are sticky and have high sugar concentration.

3. Potato chips

Potato chips are popular snack items. While it can be a yummy treat for movie nights or picnics, you need to be careful with the amount of potato chips you intake because they can damage your teeth. Potato chips break down into starch, which becomes sugar.

4. Bread

Bread is a pantry staple that can go well with most dishes. It can be enjoyed on its own or with spreads and jams or it can be paired with savory dishes. However, it’s also essential to be mindful of your bread intake because it can also harm your teeth. When chewed, the saliva breaks down starches into sugar. It results in a sticky consistency, which can get stuck between the crevices of your teeth.

5. Citrus fruits and juices

Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, but they can also contain acid that can harm the enamel of your teeth. In addition, consuming them can also cause a stinging sensation or pain if you have mouth sores.

6. Ice

Ice is essentially water which means that it has no sugar content and other substances that can affect the teeth. However, it’s important to note that ice is in a more solid form, which means that it can damage your enamel and may lead to chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol can reduce moisture in the mouth. Saliva is essential for keeping food particles from sticking to your teeth and washing them away. It can also help in fixing oral problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.

8. Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks triggers plaque to produce more acid, which damages the enamel. They also dry the mouth and can cause teeth discoloration.

9. Coffee

Coffee can give you that jolt you need in the morning, but it can also contribute to oral problems. Just like alcohol, it can dry the mouth.

10. Sports drinks

Sugar is a main component of sports drinks. While it can add flavor to your beverage during workout or a strenuous activity, it may not be the best choice if you’re looking after your teeth.