10 Foods That Can Damage Your Teeth

There’s no denying that the teeth are tough, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible when it comes to getting damaged. There are many ways that tooth enamel can be harmed, but some of the biggest damage risks come attached to the foods you eat.

Oh and for the record I don’t have a single cavity nor do I have any sensitivities. And thanks to WhyAmIUnhealthy.com I’ve actually been using a powerful, all natural and fluoride free toothpaste called Nature’s Gate (I like the Wintergreen Gel).

Their unique formula contains an exclusive blend of 7 oral health botanicals to leave your mouth feeling minty clean and refreshed, while reducing plague and brightening teeth, it really is the best stuff I’ve used. But you still need to take proper care of your teeth in the first place and it starts with the foods we eat.

Here’s a list of 10 foods that have the potential to wreck your pearly whites:

Salad dressing

This one might surprise you, but salad dressing is very acidic and it can therefore be damaging to the tooth enamel. Acid erosion leads to gaps in the teeth, and this not only looks unsightly but welcomes even more bacteria to the gums. Salads are a healthy choice of course, and should not be discouraged, so go easy on the dressing and add some cheese, leafy vegetables or a glass of water or milk to your meal to neutralize the acids in the dressing. 

Fruit juice

Fruit juice is often branded as a healthy choice for both kids and adults, but in reality, many juices are very acidic and contain a lot of added sugar, which is a huge tooth-decay benefactor. If you love your fruit juice, stick to the no added sugar versions and dilute your juice with water. 

Potato Chips 

Potato chips are bad news for your teeth because they contain starch, which is broken down into sugar, and they often get lodged in the cracks between the teeth in places your toothbrush can’t always reach. 

Cola 

Cola, as well as all carbonated soda drinks, is one of the worst offenders when it comes to edible food damagers. Although their sugary content is one reason for this, diet cola isn’t much better. The acidity of fizzy drinks is incredibly high, which means that your tooth enamel is at a massive risk of erosion. Drinking with a straw is one way to limit the contact soda has with your teeth, but the best solution really is to avoid drinking it altogether. 

Wine 

 Many people enjoy a glass of wine after a long, hard day, but wine contains acids that wear away at enamel and is also a major tooth-stainer. If you are partial to a glass of red or white wine, try to drink water or milk afterwards and wait at least an hour to brush your teeth after drinking. Brushing your teeth directly after drinking wine can scratch the tooth enamel, which is why dentists recommended waiting for about an hour to do so. 

Coffee

Coffee is another major cause of tooth discoloration due to its acidity and dark colouring, and drinking it too hot can cause tooth sensitivity. It can also dry out your mouth and of course, adding sugar to your coffee can cause decay problems. If you can’t get by without your morning coffee, be sure to chew sugar free gum or drink plenty of water afterwards, and go easy on the sugar additions. 

Popcorn 

Popcorn kernels are extremely hard and you often come across them by complete surprise when tucking into this popular snack. If you’re indulging in a box of popcorn at the cinema, have a quick check for kernels before the lights go down! However, it’s not just the kernels that are bad for your teeth. Popcorn is famous for getting stuck between the teeth, allowing those areas to become cultivated by bacteria. Popcorn is fine as an occasional treat as long as you drink water and brush your teeth afterwards.

Boiled Sweets 

These are arguably the most common unexpected cause of broken teeth and lost fillings. Eating too many hard sweeties exposes your teeth to a lot of sugar, which, if left to build up on the teeth can lead to plaque and tooth decay. Not only that, but as boiled sweets are hard and tough to chew, they can lead to dental emergencies such as a chipped tooth.

Chewy Sweets

 It’s not just hard sweets that can cause dental damage. Chewy sweets are not just a danger for fillings and crumbly, weak teeth; they are also a nightmare when it comes to cleaning. Parts of the sweet can get stuck in between the teeth and in the tiny pits on the tooth surface. This attracts bacteria and increases the chances of plaque formation, which in turn leads to tooth decay.

Ice cream 

Not only does ice cream have a high content of sugar, it’s also a major trigger for pain associated with sensitivity. However, ice cream does have some benefits for your teeth as it is rich in calcium. Therefore it is recommended that you eat ice cream in moderation, brush your teeth after consuming and avoid those with added sugary naughtiness such as caramel or chocolate sauce. Another alternative is to buy sugar-free ice cream.