Certain foods are harmful to your teeth because they contain too much sugar or can even cause a dental emergency like a chipped or broken tooth.
Here’s our list of the top 7 foods that are most harmful to your teeth:
- Ice. While ice has no sugar, chewing on ice can damage the enamel of your teeth and even cause breakage. Switch to sugar-free gum instead that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the label.
- Coffee and tea. If you drink these black, enjoy them in moderation although they can stain the teeth. Avoid adding sugar and alternate with glasses of water.
- Chips. Snack foods like potato chips are loaded with starches that are easily caught between the teeth. Be sure to floss carefully after enjoying these treats.
- Citrus fruits and juices. These foods have high acid content that can erode the tooth enamel and put your teeth at risk of decay. They can also irritate mouth sores.
- Soda. Plaque bacteria uses sugar to make the acids that attack your tooth’s enamel. Carbonated drinks are also acidic so it’s a double whammy for your teeth. Enjoy this treat occasionally and instead drink plenty of water.
- Sticky snacks. Dried fruit is not as healthy as you may think as the sticky substances adhere to the teeth for too long. If you occasionally enjoy this type of snack, brush and floss soon afterwards.
- Hard candy. You may enjoy the sweetness as they melt in your mouth but every second is exposing your teeth to dangerous sugar. Their hardness can also cause a dental emergency like a broken or chipped tooth. Stick to ADA-approved sugarless gum.
To summarize: Avoid sugar and starchy snacks, don’t chew on hard foods that can damage teeth and limit acidic fruits and juices. These are easy guidelines to help keep your teeth healthy!
Let Us Help Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy
Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.