At this point in time, it’s increasingly obvious that what we eat has a tremendous impact on our overall health, from our cardiovascular system to our digestive system, and beyond. Your diet also plays an important role in your dental health. There are foods that are good for your teeth and a variety of foods that are bad. While this list is not exhaustive or ranked, we’d like to bring attention to five of the very worst foods for your teeth, some of which may not be that obvious:
1. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit may have general health benefits but it poses a problem for your teeth because it easily gets stuck in the crevices in your mouth, allowing bacteria to feast for a very long time. Bacteria increase the acidity in your mouth, which typically results in a softening of your dental enamel.
2. Ice
Ice may provide you with a more refreshing beverage, but we think you should leave it in your drink. Chewing on ice can damage enamel and lead to emergencies, such as chipped teeth or loosened crowns.
3. Bread
Once you eat bread, your saliva uses salivary amylase to easily break it down into sugars, which intoxicate your mouth with food for bacteria. Furthermore, bread also has a propensity for getting stuck in the crevices of your mouth, leading to a long, delicious dinner for acid-producing bacteria.
4. Berries and Beets
While the sugar in berries and beets is potentially alarming, the greatest negative effects of these foods are cosmetic in nature. Beets and berries can quickly stain your teeth, leading to permanent discoloration and a smile that’s not as beautiful and bright as you want it to be.
5. Sour Candy
It’s well-known that candy is packed with sugar that is bad for teeth. However, some candies are worse than others. Sour candies and lemon/lime candies, in particular, are even more damaging than average candies and can have lasting negative impacts on your dental health.
Soda and alcohol is also bad for your teeth, as are a number of other dietary choices. While we know that it’s impossible to stay away from all foods that can harm your teeth, we do advise that our patients rinse with water or mouthwash after eating and brush and floss regularly to ensure the best oral health possible.
If you have any questions about your dental health or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.