What Are the Worst Foods for Teeth?

You probably know that there are some foods out there that are not good for your teeth. Here, we’ll reveal some of the worst foods for teeth.

Candy

I’m sure you already know that candy is bad for your teeth, but it’s worth stressing that candy is one of the worst things you can eat. Whether it’s hard or soft, gummy or chewy, the acids and sugars in candy wear away at your enamel. This makes your teeth vulnerable to developing tooth decay or cavities. Chewy candies can also get stuck between your teeth and leave behind food particles that can be dangerous for your oral health. Hard candies can break or crack your teeth when you bite them. Eating candy regularly can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even more serious dental health issues. If you have a sweet tooth, try dark chocolate instead. It’s soft and can easily be washed away with water.

Chips and Popcorn

Popcorn and chips are favorite snacks that are undoubtedly delicious. Sometimes you can consume a whole bag without realizing it. The problem is that when you munch on them, tiny particles get stuck in between your teeth and in other hard to reach places in your mouth. Then, bacteria in your mouth feed on them and turn them into acids that can weaken your enamel and lead to cavities. Because popcorn and chips are so hard to stop eating, this exacerbates the issue because acid production can linger for longer. Another risk with popcorn are the un-popped kernels hiding in each buttery handful. They can break or crack a tooth in spite of their small size.

Carbonated Drinks

We’ve mentioned some of the worst foods for teeth but what about the worst drinks for teeth? Soda is definitely one that should be avoided. Soda is incredibly acidic and is one of the biggest causes of tooth decay. Even if it’s diet, the acid in soda weakens tooth enamel. Soda also can dry out your mouth. Dry mouth means less saliva, which is very important to your oral health because saliva naturally remineralizes your enamel to make it stronger. Sodas that are dark in color can also stain your teeth so it’s best to stick with water instead.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another beverage that is bad for your teeth. Alcoholic drinks often contain a lot of sugar. Cocktails like margaritas and pina coladas and even gin and tonics are very high in sugar. This sugar can turn into acid that will lead to decay. Alcohol also causes dry mouth and reduces your saliva production, putting your oral health further at risk.

At Oakboro Family Dentistry, we want to help your entire family establish good oral hygiene habits. If you have more questions about the worst foods for your teeth, read our May 2018 blog or give us a call. We can give you ideas to help your family eat “tooth friendly” foods.

Categorised in: Healthy Diet, Oral Health, Preventive Dentistry