While most people are aware of the dangers of eating sweets, there are other oral health threats out there that come in the form of common foods and drinks most everyone consumes. Although it’s understood you may not be able to completely eliminate these from your diet, it helps to know which food items and drinks you should steer clear of for the sake of your oral health.
Here’s a list of 10 foods that are bad for your teeth from Holistic Dental Donvale.
1. Soda
Aside from containing sugar and empty calories that can contribute to unhealthy weight gain, dark soda can stain teeth. All soda is acidic, and these acids strip away the mineral in your tooth enamel. Of course, the sugar content feeds harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and tartar build-up.
2. Candies
Candies are bad for your gums and teeth. It doesn’t matter if you’re chewing on hard, soft, sticky, sweet or sour candy. All candies contain sugar that bad bacteria can feast on. Hard candy can also damage your teeth if you enjoy cracking it. Sour candy contains more acid aside from sugar.
3. Sports and Energy Drinks
Just like soda, sports and energy drinks are packed with sugar and acids that can wreak havoc on your oral health. These can erode the precious enamel protecting your teeth and cause cavities and plaque that your dentist in Donvale will have to work hard to remove.
4. Dried and Canned Fruits
Fruits are rich in fibre and antioxidants, and they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you’re fond of dried or canned fruit, there are some dental downsides to this. Dried fruits are not only sticky but also have more sugar than fresh fruits. Meanwhile, canned fruit is infused with a lot of added sugar.
5. Alcoholic Beverages
Consuming alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. The reduction in saliva flow can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, especially if you are a habitual drinker.
6. Crackers and White Bread
While not overtly sweet, crackers and white bread are usually made up of refined carbohydrates that very quickly get broken down into sugar. As much as possible, opt for wholegrain options instead.
7. Citrus Fruits
In general, citrus fruits are nutritious as they are rich in not only vitamin C but also fibre and other antioxidants. However, what makes them bad for the teeth is the naturally occurring acid they contain. To neutralise the acid, drink water after consuming citrus fruits. The same applies to eating tomatoes and pickles.
8. Potato Chips and Popcorn
Snacking on potato chips and popcorn could mean getting starchy foods stuck in between your teeth that can promote the proliferation of bad bacteria. So, make sure you rinse your mouth with water and floss after consuming these.
9. Breath Mints and Cough Drops
It seems ironic, but the reason breath mints and cough drops are on this list is because they are loaded with sugar and linger in your mouth for a long time. If you must have these, opt for sugar-free varieties.
10. Peanut Butter and Jam
Peanut butter and jam works as an on-the-go breakfast or snack. But the sugar in the jam, peanut butter and bread makes this combination a seriously rich meal for bad bacteria.
Got more questions about oral healthcare?
Please reach out to us at Holistic Dental Donvale – your friendly neighbourhood dentist in Donvale.
