10 Foods That Are Bad for Your Teeth
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When it comes to taking care of your teeth, what you eat obviously plays a big role. You probably know that foods that are high in calcium are good for your teeth, but what about foods that are BAD for your teeth?
Too much of the wrong foods can cause cavities, gingivitis, or even do irreversible damage to your teeth. So which foods should you avoid?
Let’s take a look at 10 of the foods that can hurt your teeth, and talk about why they’re bad for you.
#1: Candy
You might have guessed this one already, but candies of any kind can do some serious
damage to your teeth. Hard candies can wear them down, sticky candies can cling to your teeth, and both have a high sugar content.
#2: Dried Fruit
“Isn’t dried fruit healthier than candy?” Well, yes and no. While dried fruit can have more health benefits than candy, it still has a high volume of natural sugar. Besides that, the sticky texture means dried fruit can do just as much damage as sticky candy if you eat too much of it.
#3: Soft Drinks
Soft drinks usually have a high sugar content, as well, but even sugar free soft drinks are bad for your teeth. Soft drinks of any kind have a high acid content, which can damage your teeth’s enamel. Enamel is a protective covering your teeth have to guard against bacteria.
#4: Citrus
Citrus is another two-for-one. Citrus fruits are high in both sugar and acid, and too much of them is terrible for your teeth. Since citrus is part of a healthy, balanced diet, use a straw when drinking citrus juices to keep them off your teeth, and rinse your mouth with water after eating them. Don’t brush right after eating citrus, though. Besides tasting terrible, your enamel is softer after eating foods high in acid, so brushing can do more harm than good.
#5: Wine
Wine is another example of a highly acidic food. Too much wine can do more than stain your teeth, it can cause cavities and other tooth damage.
#6: Tomatoes, Especially In Sauces
Ketchup and spaghetti are staples for kids, but they’re also on the “acidic foods” list. Fresh tomatoes are less acidic than reductions. When you are eating tomato sauces, follow the same rules as citrus: Drink plenty of water alongside them and don’t brush immediately after.
#7: Foods High in Carbohydrates
Cookies and cakes are another one you probably guessed, but did you know bread and pasta are bad for your teeth, too? Foods high in carbs feed the bad bacteria in your mouth just like sugar does, so enjoy in moderation.
#8: Sugar
As a general rule of thumb, anything with a high sugar content, including natural sugars, won’t be very good for your teeth.
#9: Vinegars
Vinegars are another very acidic food. They make for tasty dressings, but use them sparingly.
#10: Ice
This has less to do with a chemical reaction, and more to do with wear and tear. Ice is hard, and gnawing on it can wear your teeth down over time.
The “Tooth” About Enamel
You can’t avoid all these foods forever. After all, citrus fruits and carbs are part of a well-balanced diet, and avoiding all sugar and acid forever would be pretty dull. Most of these foods are bad for your teeth when you eat them
too
much.
Fill your everyday diet with veggies, proteins, and plenty of fresh water and save the things on this list for occasional treats. Not only will your teeth thank you, your whole body will!
Your enamel is an incredible thing. It protects your teeth from bad bacteria and keeps your smile sparkling. By watching out for bad foods, you can protect your enamel, too. Another way to protect your enamel is by scheduling
regular
check-ups
with your dentist. Your dentist can give you feedback on how your oral health is doing, and help you adjust your eating habits.
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