You are likely aware that candy and pop do not do your teeth any good. What shocks many people, though, is that how many normal or even healthy foods can quietly cause as much harm…or even more.
It’s not always about sugar. It is the length of time food is on your teeth, how acidic it is, and how frequent your exposure is to it.
These are some of the largest culprits we continuously witness.
Dried fruit
has a healthier bite, but dried fruit is one of the worst culprits.
It is sticky, it has concentrated sugar, and prefers to stick to your teeth, especially in those difficult areas. The combination of that gives bacteria just what they want.
Crackers and chips
These are not sweet, but soon dissolve into simple sugars.
They also have a tendency to wedge between teeth and along the gumline, where they can sit longer than you would guess. It is simply a gradual meal to cavity-causing bacteria.
Sports and energy drinks
Many of them pick these, thinking that they are a better option than pop.
As a matter of fact, they are usually no less acidic–occasionally worse. That acid makes the enamel weak, and when the enamel is worn out, your teeth will be a lot more vulnerable.
Citrus fruits
Oranges, lemon, grapefruits–they all do your body good.
But they are also extremely acidic. This exposure over time can gradually whittle away enamel, particularly when you are snacking on them all day long or when you are taking lemon water regularly.
Flavoured coffee
It is not coffee per se, but what is added to coffee.
The sugar, the syrups, and creamers make your everyday coffee feel like you are brushing your teeth with it, particularly when you drink it gradually throughout the morning.
Ice
This one surprises people.
It may not appear harmful, however, chewing ice can produce small cracks in your enamel- or even chip a tooth when you do it by accident.
Pickles and foods made of vinegar
These are very acidic and can cause the enamel to wear away with time.
They alone aren’t a problem here and there, but with consistent use, it may accumulate, particularly when you are not washing your mouth after.
Soda (even diet)
Diet soda still contains acid, even though regular soda is high in sugar. Therefore, regardless of whether you have reduced sugar, your teeth are still in the process of eroding enamel each time you consume it.
White bread
It’s soft, but it sticks.
The white bread is highly digestible and can stick to the surfaces of your teeth, particularly between them, providing the best place where bacteria live.
Alcohol
Alcohol leaves your mouth dry, and saliva is a substantial factor in taking care of your teeth. Reduced saliva will result in reduced natural protection that can predispose you to cavities and other problems in the long-term.
So… do you have to avoid all these?
Not at all. It is not to cut all that out, just to be conscious.
Breaking the intervals between snacks, hydrating with water, avoiding swallowing sweet or sour beverages over several hours, and staying on track with brushing and flossing can win much.
At Pasqua South Dental, we observe this every day, individuals doing their best, they simply are not aware of which habits are harming their teeth quietly.
You can always contact us to help you strike a balance that works with your diet and your oral health, should you ever have any questions about either.
Make an appointment for your next visit, and we will make sure to keep your smile in good condition.
