We all know there are certain things we should stay away from for the sake of our dental health, like sodas and candy. But the fact is that there are so many other types of food that can hurt your teeth, and you’re probably not even aware of them. Read on to find out more about the biggest enemies to your dental health.
Dried Fruits
We normally think of fruit as healthy, but the truth is that dried fruit contains lots of sugar with none of the normal moisture that would help clean your teeth. Dried fruit can cling to your teeth for a long time after you eat it, causing bacteria growth and decay.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, like lemons and limes, can erode your teeth’s enamel. Keep your citrus intake to a minimum, and that includes lemon slices in your water.
Bread
When you eat bread, your mouth breaks down starch into sugar, which stays in your teeth and can cause cavities. If you’re going to eat bread, try healthier whole wheat varieties and make sure to rinse out your mouth (or better yet, brush and floss) after eating.
Ice
We all know someone who likes to chew ice for fun. And while this might seem like a harmless zero-calorie snack, crunching on ice can actually do a lot of damage to your teeth, causing enamel problems and eventual cracking and wear and tear. Next time you’re tempted to chew on some ice, just say no!
Coffee and Tea
While insanely popular, everyday drinks like coffee and tea can actually dry out your mouth. They’re also a common conduit for sugar, never your teeth’s friend. If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, make sure to rinse your mouth out after drinking, especially if you want to minimize staining.
If you have questions about how your diet is affecting your dental health, give our friendly team a call today or send us a message through our contact form. We look forward to speaking with you!
