We’ve all been told at some point that candy will rot your teeth, but there are other foods and drinks that can be equally as damaging. Beverages such as sodas and sports drinks contain comparable amounts of sugar and can be just as harmful to teeth as sugary candy and other treats. Acidic foods such as citrus fruits can wear away the enamel on your teeth as can caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea. Making yourself aware of what foods can potentially harm your teeth or gums can put you on the right track to a lifetime of healthy smiles and positive dental checkups.
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Candy and Other Sweet Treats.
The sugar that makes these treats so delicious is also the main culprit behind tooth decay and cavities. The sugar from sweets can mix with bacteria in your mouth to create a corrosive acid. This acid eats away at teeth leading to cavities and decay. Cutting back on sweets and brushing soon after you indulge can prevent cavities and help you avoid dental procedures such as fillings.
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Sodas and Sports Beverages.
The ingredient responsible for causing damage in sweet treats is also the main villain in beverages such as sodas. What makes these sugary beverages worse than candy at times is that we tend to sip on sodas prolonging the exposure to our teeth. While most people are aware that sodas are bad for your teeth some have been condensed sports beverages are as safer option. This is not the case as they contain just as much sugar as a regular soda.
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Coffee, Tea, and alcohol.
These beverages are not only acidic, which can wear away at the enamel of your teeth, but they are also notorious for staining and discoloration. A lesser known issue is that the caffeine and alcohol that they contain dehydrates and slows down the production of saliva. Less saliva in our mouth allows for acid to build up in your mouth promoting tooth decay. Alcohol has also been known to contribute to oral cancers.
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Citrus Fruits Another surprising fact is that citrus fruits can cause damage to the enamel of your tooth.
The acid in citrus is hard on the surface of healthy teeth especially when squeezed into a beverage that will be sipped on and allowed to sit on teeth for an extended period of time. Limit the amount of citrus foods you intake to maintain healthy amount of enamel.
