Food and Drink Damage Teeth While candies mightseem harmless, eating too many of them can cause constant exposure to sugar which is harmful to your teeth. Some candies especially the hard ones put your teeth at high risk because in addition to the amount of sugar they contain, they can also trigger dental emergency such as chipped or broken teeth. Below is a list of foods and drinks that can cause damage to your teeth: 1. Alcohol Too much alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and dry mouth. People who take too much alcohol may find that their saliva flow in the mouth is reduced. This can lead to oral infections such as gum disease and tooth decay. Heavy alcohol consumption can also increase your risk for oral cancer. 2. Citrus You should watch your citrus intake as scientific evidence shows that frequent exposure to acidic foods can erode the hard covering of the teeth (Enamel). Erosion of your enamel can make your teeth more susceptible to oral infections and tooth decay over time. Even though a single lemon or lime can turn a jar of water into a fine beverage, acidic drinks are never the best for your mouth and teeth. Citrus fruits or juices can also cause irritation to mouth sores. The best option you can have for a healthy lifestyle is plenty of plain water. 3. Ice You will be shocked to learn that many people think that ice is perfect for their teeth. However, chewing hard substances such as ice can leave your teeth a mess. A habit of crunching ice can put a lot of stress on your teeth causing wear to the enamel. Crunching on ice can even cause fracture to your teeth. A better alternative is enjoying water in its liquid form. If you need something to chew you can go for popped popcorn with low calories. 4. Coffee and Tea Coffee and tea can make healthy beverage choices for you when taken in their natural form. Unfortunately, many cannot resist adding sugar for a better taste. Other forms of these drinks such as caffeinated tea and coffee can make your mouth dry. Drinking coffee and tea frequently can also stain your teeth. You should therefore drink plenty water to keep your mouth fresh and moist. 5. Sticky foods Sticky foods can cause your teeth a lot of damage. When it comes to snacks, many people go for dried fruit. What many need to know is that dried fruits are sticky and could be your mouth’s worst nightmare. Sticky foods tend to stay on your teeth longer than other food types, causing damage to your
teeth. If you happen to eat trail mix or dried fruits. Rinse your mouth with water and brush or floss carefully to remove the stains. A good alternative snack for you is nuts. Nuts contain no sugar and are full of protein that can keep you full longer. 6. Crunchy Food Potato chips can satisfy a salty craving, but the crunchy snack can cause a lot of harm to your teeth. When you chew the potato chips, they break into very small pieces that can be left compacted into the crevices and grooves of your teeth. Potato chips contain starch which is broken down by the salivary enzymes forming simple carbohydrates. These simple sugars act as food for mouth bacteria, making your teeth susceptible to decay. If you choose to have such snacks, take extra caution when you floss to remove any food particles that can lead to plaque build-up. 7. Sugary foods and drinks When you frequently sip sugary drinks or eat sugary foods, plaque or oral bacteria feeds on the sugarproducing acids that may erode your enamel (the hard protective layer of your teeth). Most carbonated drinks such as diet soda and soft drinks also contain enough acid to damage your teeth. Some sugary caffeinated beverages such as colas can also make your mouth dry. If you choose to drink soda or other sugary drinks, drink them alongside a cup of water. 8. Sport drinks Sports or energy drinks may sound healthy but sugar is the top ingredients in many of them. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, energy or soft drinks can be helpful for athletes who perform vigorous physical activities, but they are unnecessary in most cases. Before you take any energy or sport drink, check the label to be sure it is low in sugar. You may also prefer drinking pure water as it is healthier. 9. White Wine Don’t let the color of your wine fool you. Some types of white wine such as Pinot Grigio and Chardonanny are highly acidic and can easily erode your teeth’s enamel. Eroded enamel can leave your teeth prone to sensitivity to pain and heat and staining from other foods. If you can’t keep off white wine, then pair it with cheese to help minimize damages the acid may cause. Perfect Foods and Drinks for Dental Health Alternative foods and drinks you can have for your dental health include: 1. Water Pure water or fluorinated water can be a perfect beverage for maintaining your dental health. Fluorine can help make your teeth resistant to acid attack that may damage your enamel.
2. Fruits and Veggies Fruits and veggies are a very important part of your balanced diet and also good for your teeth. Veggies and fruits are rich in fiber and water that help balance the sugars in food and also clean your teeth. Chewing veggies and fruits can also help was food particles and harmful acids from your teeth. 3. Lean proteins Foods rich in phosphorus such as milk, eggs, meat and poultry can help strengthen your teeth 4. Dairy products Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are low in sugar and can be perfect for your teeth. These products also contain calcium and valuable proteins that can help strengthen your teeth. 5. Nuts Nuts can be an alternative for dried fruits in case you want a hard snack. Nuts contain minerals and proteins that are very important for your dental health and overall body health. Nuts are also low in sugar and acids that may erode your enamel causing cavities on your teeth.