Top 9 Foods That Damage Your Teeth

What you eat matters

While these hard candies seem harmless, eat too many and the constant
exposure to sugar can be harmful to your teeth. Hard candies also put
your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they can
also trigger a dental emergency such as a broken or chipped tooth.
Better alternative? Chew sugarless gum that carries the ADA Seal.

Ice is for chilling, not chewing

You’d be surprised at how many people think ice is good for their
teeth. It’s made of water, after all, and doesn’t contain any sugar or
other additives. But chewing on hard substances can leave your teeth
vulnerable to a dental emergency and damage enamel. Advice:Break the habit and enjoy water in its liquid form.

Watch your citrus intake

The truth is that frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode
enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So even though
a a squeeze of lemon or lime can turn a simple glass of water into a
fun beverage, it’s not always the best choice for your mouth. Citric
fruits and juices can also irritate mouth sores. Make sure to drink
plenty of plain water.

Not all coffee is good for you

In their natural form, coffee and tea can be healthy beverage
choices. Unfortunately too many people can’t resist adding sugar.
Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out your mouth. Frequent drinks
of coffee and tea may also stain your teeth. If you do consume, make
sure to drink plenty of water and try to keep the add-ons to a minimum.

Sticky foods are your mouth’s worst nightmare

When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit
at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky. Sticky foods
can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on the teeth longer than
other types of food. If you find yourself eating dried fruits or trail
mix often, make sure to rinse with water after and to brush and floss
carefully.

Beware of things that go “crunch”

Who doesn’t love the nice, satisfying crunch of a potato chip?
Unfortunately potato chips are filled with starch, which tends to get
trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in snacks like these,
take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles
that can lead to plaque build-up.

Swap out soda with water

When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for
long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids
that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated
soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for
your teeth. Caffeinated beverages, such as colas can also dry out your
mouth. If you do consume soft drinks, try to drink alongside a cup of
water.

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. People who drink
excessively may find their saliva flow is reduced over time, which can
lead to tooth decay and other oral infections such as gum disease. Heavy
alcohol use also increases your risk for mouth cancer.

Watch out for sports drinks

They sound healthy, but sugar is a top ingredient for many sports and
energy drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics says sports drinks
can be helpful for young athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous
physical activities, but unnecessary in most cases. Before your next
sip, check the label to make sure your drink of choice is low in sugar
or drink water.

source: “Top 9 Foods That Damage Your Teeth.” mouthhealthy.org. Mouth Healthy, Web. March 2nd, 2017.