Food is essential to human life. It gives us the energy and nutrients we need to survive and thrive. However, not all foods are created equal, and some can be detrimental to our health – including our teeth. In this article, we’ll look at some of the worst offenders when it comes to dental health and explore what makes them so damaging.
1. Sticky Candies and Sweets
It’s no surprise that candy isn’t good for your teeth, but you may not know just how much damage it can cause. Most candies and sweets contain sugar, which is a major source of food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. In addition, many candies are also very acidic, which can erode tooth enamel. And finally, sticky candy can be difficult to remove from teeth, increasing the amount of time that sugar and acid are in contact with your teeth.
2. Sugary Drinks
Second, on our naughty list is sugary drinks. As the name suggests, sugary drinks are usually loaded with sugar, which can feed the bacteria in your mouth and lead to tooth decay.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is another substance that can cause damage to teeth. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, which can lead to an increase in plaque and bacteria. In addition, alcohol can stain teeth and make them more susceptible to decay. Some of the ingredients found in alcohol, such as sugars and acids, can also damage teeth. Over time, these substances can break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other problems.
4. Coffee
Coffee can also be an obstacle to good oral health. The pigments in coffee can stain your teeth, making them appear yellow or brown. In addition, coffee is often high in acidity, which can erode tooth enamel.
5. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are high in acidity, which can wear down tooth enamel over time. If you eat citrus fruits, brush your teeth afterward to remove any residual acidity.
6. Red Wine
Red wine can cause stains on your teeth. The pigments in red wine can settle into the tiny pores on your teeth, causing them to appear dark or discoloured. If you enjoy red wine, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out afterward.
7. Ice
That’s right; ice can also damage your teeth. When you bite into hard ice, you put stress on your teeth, which can lead to cracks or chips. Cracks and chips in your teeth provide places for bacteria to grow and can also be painful.
Chewing on ice can also wear down the enamel that protects your teeth from cavities and other oral problems. If you can’t resist chewing on ice, do it with your back teeth, so you don’t damage your front teeth.
8. Battered and Fried Foods
Many may know that eating battered, and fried foods aren’t exactly healthy. However, some people don’t know how these foods can be detrimental to their teeth. Battered and fried foods are generally high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to tooth decay. In addition, the batter and breading on these foods often contain sugar, which also increases the risk of cavities.
The frying process also creates harmful compounds known as oxysterols and acrylamide. Oxysterols can damage the tooth enamel, while acrylamide has been linked to an increased risk of gum disease.
9. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks can be the worst nightmare for your teeth. The high sugar and acidity levels in sports drinks can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Many sports drinks also contain colorants that can permanently stain teeth. The most common culprits are blue and green dyes.
10. Pickles
It’s hard to believe, but pickles can damage your teeth. The high level of acidity in pickles can soften tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to cavities. In addition, the crunchy texture of pickles can also cause tooth fractures.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of all the foods that can harm your teeth. However, avoiding these common culprits can help keep your smile healthy and bright.
