Not everyone thinks about the damage they might be doing to their teeth from the foods and drinks they’re consuming, but, the truth is– your oral health can be greatly affected by what you eat and drink. Whether they hurt your gums, or stain/break your teeth, the following foods and beverages are ten of the worst for your teeth.
1.) Hard Candy
Chewing hard candy can break your teeth and cause extensive damage. In addition, the sugar it contains can remain on your teeth for prolonged periods of time, and cause cavities. If you do decide to indulge, make sure to brush afterwards– and never chew on candy that’s too hard.
2.) Coffee/Tea
Coffee and tea are both popular, but drinking too much of either of them can leave stains on your teeth that are difficult to remove. If you can’t cut back on drinking coffee or tea, use a straw whenever possible to avoid staining.
3.) Ice
While it’s not technically a food, ice can still harm your teeth. Chewing ice wears away at your tooth’s enamel, and the extreme cold can cause tiny cracks to form– which can lead to breakage.
4.) Citrus
Grapefruit and lemon juice are highly acidic, and as a result, over time, they can erode the enamel on your teeth. If you do have lemon juice or something similar– use a straw. Avoiding direct contact with your teeth can keep them healthier and avoid further damage from acid.
5.) Beets
Beets are a vegetable with one of the strongest pigments of any food out there. Consume them in moderation to avoid staining, and wash out your mouth with water as soon as you’re done eating them.
6.) Popcorn
Who doesn’t love popcorn? It’s a fast and easy snack, but unfortunately– it can also hurt your teeth. Popcorn tends to get trapped in-between your teeth, promoting bacteria growth. Un-popped kernels can cause even more damage, so be careful not to bite down on them or you can risk breaking or chipping a tooth.
7.) Pickles
Pickles make the list of foods that are bad for your teeth due to their high acidic content. The acid in pickles gives them the ability to open the pores of your tooth enamel, which can cause them to stain your teeth and erode your enamel.
8.) Red Wine
Just like coffee, red wine contains strong pigments that can stain your teeth. You don’t have to give it up, just be sure sure brush extra well when you’re done.
9.) Chips
Starchy foods tend to get stuck in-between your teeth. The starch in potato chips, along with their texture, mean the debris can stay trapped for a long time. Try and rinse with water after consuming chips, and also floss to remove any debris that might be stuck.
10.) Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are usually highly acidic, which contributes to tooth erosion. They’re also high in sugar, so cavities are more likely.
Always wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming anything acidic. If not, you can do major damage to your pearly whites.
Eat Clean
Did anything on this list surprise you? You don’t have to stop eating your favorite things, but knowing what potential damage they can cause will help you to better avoid it from occurring.
As long as you follow a few rules to help your teeth and gums stay healthy, you don’t need to stress too much about what you eat. It’s better to avoid things that have a negative effect on your overall health, but if that’s not realistic, just be mindful and rinse or brush when you’re done eating.
Ever since he was little Dr. J. Fred Arnold wanted to be a dentist. He has lived in Kentucky all of his life, except for three years he spent serving in the Air Force (1984-1987). He and his wife Holly have raised their family here and couldn’t imagine spending life anywhere else. They love the great schools and the emphasis on arts and culture.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.