Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Worst Foods for Your Teeth You Should Stay Away From : Tooth decay and poor oral health is a major problem. In fact, about 91 percent of American adults under the age of 64 experience at least one dental cavity.

And as much as you don’t want to think about it, a major contributing factor to oral health is your diet. That’s right…all those foods you enjoy regularly can hurt (or help) your teeth.

By now, you’re probably asking “is coffee bad for your teeth?” And while it might seem like your morning beverage of choice is the biggest culprit, there are other foods that do far more damage.

Here are some of the top foods to avoid:

Ice

Ice might not be a food, but it does tend to accompany most meals. After all, it makes almost all beverages more enjoyable. And while you’re free to enjoy the drink, you’ll want to resist the temptation to chew the ice afterward.

Since ice is incredibly hard, it can weaken your teeth and damage the protective layer of enamel covering your pearly whites. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with small microfractures and chipped teeth which can increase your sensitivity and cause major dental issues in the future.

If at all possible, avoid chewing ice. Break the habit by chilling your drinks in the fridge or drinking from a straw or a travel mug to reduce temptation.

Sticky Sweets

Yes…candy really is bad for your teeth and the stickier it is, the worse it is.

Think of it this way: sticky treats cling to the surface of your teeth and get trapped in the spaces between your chompers. When the sugary goo sits there for a while, it starts to feed the bacteria in your mouth.

Over time, this results in tooth decay, sending you to the dentist with an annoying toothache.

If you do decide to indulge, rinse your mouth with water after eating the candy or chew sugar-free gum to get rid of anything stuck to your teeth.

Citrus

Citrus has tons of vitamin C, but you’ll want to enjoy these fruits cautiously. Why? Because they’re full of citric acid.

And that acid can eat through the enamel on your teeth, exposing them to bacteria and weakening your mouth’s defenses against tooth decay.

For best results, enjoy your citrus fruits with other food. This helps to neutralize the acid and keeps it from doing damage in the first place. And always have a glass of plain water handy to rinse the acid away.

Resist the temptation to brush your teeth immediately after eating as it can spread the acid and make the damage worse.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit may seem like a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, but it’s something you should enjoy in moderation. Like sticky sugary candies, dried fruit sticks in your teeth.

Since it’s naturally high in sugar, the fruit feeds the bacteria in your mouth and increases your risk of tooth decay just like candy. If you decide to incorporate dried fruit into your diet, consume it with other foods like nuts and seeds.

Once you’re done, brush your teeth thoroughly and floss between each tooth. This gets rid of any dried fruit bits that could feed the bacteria for hours after you’re done snacking.

Crunchy Carbs

There’s more to tooth health than just keeping your teeth in good shape. You also have to take care of your gums.

When you eat crunchy foods like chips, crackers, and even popcorn, you risk cutting up your gums. This invites bacteria to spread and can result in everything from mild irritation to severe infections.

If you do decide to enjoy the occasional handful of chips, chew cautiously and completely. And always rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Most crunchy foods are high in carbohydrates which your body processes as sugar. This means they’ll feed the bacteria in your mouth and increase the risk of tooth decay.

Soda

By now, you know that sugar increases your risk of tooth decay and cavities. And sodas have loads of the stuff. But it’s not the sugar that poses the greatest threat to your oral health.

Instead, it’s the acid in those sugary fizzy drinks that does the most damage.

Even though you don’t typically taste it, most sodas have citric acid added to the recipe. It helps offset the sweetness of the soda and makes the flavors unique.

When you drink a lot of it, that acid can start to eat away at the protective layer of enamel on your teeth. And weak enamel often means more cavities and more trips to the dentist.

Instead, try to eat enamel-friendly foods. Check this article out to learn more.

Alcohol

Have you ever sipped a delicious cocktail only to feel like your mouth is incredibly dry? That’s because alcohol dries out your mouth. And when this happens, bacteria can spread and grow easily.

Saliva is what keeps your mouth hydrated. It removes food particles, washes away acids, and keeps your top lip from sticking to your teeth when you’re nervous.

When your mouth feels dry, it’s because saliva production is down. And alcohol naturally dehydrates your mouth.

If you choose to imbibe, keep water handy and drink in moderation. Your teeth will thank you.

So, Is Coffee Bad for Your Teeth?

You’ve likely noticed a connection between all these foods: sugar and acid. And most coffee has both.

Your morning cup of joe won’t hurt your teeth, especially if you rinse your mouth with water when you’re done. But if you drink coffee throughout the day with tons of cream and sugar, you can bet you’re hurting your oral health.

Cutting back on your coffee habit is the best thing you can do. And if possible, avoid adding sugar to your mug.

Conclusion

When most people think about their diet and their teeth, they ask themselves “is coffee bad for your teeth?” And while the answer to that question can be “yes,” the other food you indulge in likely hurts your teeth more.

Steer clear of these foods and you’ll be on the right track for better oral health.

If you want to fix any existing dental issues, you can book an appointment to get fillings with the Lancaster Dentists.

Related Infographics about Worst Foods for Your Teeth :

The Worst Foods and Drinks for your Teeth