We’ve talked about some of the best foods for your teeth in the past. However, it is important to be conscious of your consumption of these particular foods and beverages, as they can be potentially harmful to your teeth. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make the right decisions for your oral health.
Find out which nine foods and drinks are the worst for your teeth and why.
Candy
Whether it’s hard, sticky, chewy, or sour, candy is one of the worst foods for your teeth. Most candy is bursting with refined sugar and artificial coloring. Candy also has no nutritional value. Regularly eating candy can contribute to cavities, enamel erosion, and dental emergencies. If you are going to indulge in a sweet treat, make sure you brush your teeth afterward .
Out of all the types of candies, chocolate, especially dark chocolate is the least damaging. Chocolate washes off of teeth easier than sticky candies. Dark chocolate has some nutritional value as well; it is high in antioxidants.
Dried Fruit
You might think dried fruit is healthy because it is fruit, but it can pose a threat to your teeth. Dried fruit is high in sugar, and due to its stickiness, it can be hard to get off of your teeth. Be extra careful if you have any fillings, crowns, or wires in your mouth.
Mints and Gum
Chewing gum or sucking on a mint is like chewing or sucking sugar. Opt for sugar-free gum or mints to avoid putting your teeth in harm’s way.
Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks contain phosphoric and citric acid, both of which erode the protective enamel on your teeth. When the enamel on your teeth is compromised, you become more prone to cavities, chips, and cracks in your teeth. Plus, carbonated sodas are very high in sugar.
Sports Drinks
While sports drinks are great at quickly rehydrating your body after intense physical activity, they contain a lot of sugar. If you are going to drink or eat anything that has a high sugar content make sure that you brush your teeth afterward.
Alcohol
Alcohol is high in sugar. Regular and excessive alcohol consumption can also reduce your saliva production, which can then increase your chances of tooth decay and other oral infections. Heavy alcohol consumption also increases your chances of developing oral cancer. If you are going to drink alcohol, make sure you also drink plenty of water and always brush your teeth before bedtime.
Citrus
While citrus such as oranges and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, the acidity of this type of fruit can also erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. As with many of these potentially harmful foods and beverages, as long as you consume them in moderation, drink plenty of water, and keep up with brushing and flossing your teeth, you can enjoy these treats without worrying about permanent damage to your teeth.
Black Tea
Due to the high level of tannis, regularly drinking black tea can lead to tooth discoloration. If you are going to drink tea, lighter teas like green tea are a better option.
Starchy Food
Starchy foods like potato chips and bread can easily get stuck between your teeth. Make sure that you floss your teeth after eating starchy foods to avoid a plaque build-up and permanent damage to your teeth.
While you don’t necessarily need to give up these foods and drinks entirely, if you are going to enjoy them, do so in moderation, brush your teeth afterward, floss twice a day, and drink at least two liters of water to help keep your teeth strong and healthy.