Eating a healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good oral health. However, some foods and drinks can have a significant negative impact on dental health, causing damage, staining, cavities, and more. Two dentists, Dr. Erin Fraundorf and Dr. Amy Sliwa Lies, shared their expertise on common culprits that can wreak havoc on your teeth.
Foods with high acidity levels, such as citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit, can weaken enamel. Sugary foods and drinks, like sticky candies, hard candies, and crackers, provide fuel for bacteria in the mouth, which produce acid that damages enamel.
Crunchy snacks like Goldfish crackers and hard chips can also cause problems. The starch in these snacks is easy to break down into sugar, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. Dried fruit, especially if not rinsed or brushed after consumption, can adhere to teeth and provide more fuel for bacteria.
Other culprits include chewing ice, which can chip or crack teeth, and popcorn kernels, which can damage dental implants or irritate gums.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risks associated with these foods. Limiting snack time to 20 minutes, drinking water or sugar-free gum after eating, and using fluoridated water and toothpaste with fluoride can help maintain good oral health. Additionally, incorporating tooth-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, celery, and dark leafy greens into your diet can also promote healthy teeth.
By being aware of these common offenders and taking steps to mitigate their effects, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/8-foods-bad-teeth-according-110036885.html