Eating healthy food is always an important goal. On the flip side, not all foods that are good for your body are also good for your teeth. Some nutritious foods can erode tooth enamel, too. Are Healthy Foods Wrecking Your Smile?
You’d be surprised by the generally otherwise healthy foods you may be consuming that might be damaging your smile.
See the foods that might be affecting your teeth, and take caution:
Watch your citrus intake
Citric fruits and juices are great, but on the other hand too much Acid can erode your teeth’s enamel, jumpstarting cavities and tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association The truth is that frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So even though a a squeeze of lemon or lime can turn a simple glass of water into a fun beverage, it’s not always the best choice for your mouth. can also irritate mouth sores. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water.
Dried Fruit
Although dried fruit can be part of a healthy diet, the sticky consistency can cause them to adhere to teeth. Plus, the plaque acid these foods create can harm your teeth long after you’ve finished eating. Exchange dried fruit for fresh whenever possible. Snack on grapes instead of raisins to avoid unhealthy teeth.
Coffee is so good,
yet so bad for your teeth. Not only do coffee and tea stain your teeth significantly, but the acidity can also damage your enamel. When drinking the two beverages, try adding milk or cream to lessen staining and pair with water to continually rinse out your mouth. Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out your mouth.
Herbal Tea
There’s no denying that tea has amazing health benefits: Fat-burning properties, antioxidant protection against DNA damage, and the reduced risk of several diseases. But it can take a toll on your teeth. A study published in The Journal of Dentistry compared groups of teeth exposed to either conventional black tea, herbal tea or water. Those exposed to the teas suffered a loss of tooth enamel. Both black and herbal varieties caused erosion, but surface loss was much greater on teeth exposed to herbal tea.
Sports Drinks
After an intense workout, people want to replenish those electrolytes and water they sweated out and refuel their bodies. Sipping on these awesome sports drinks isn’t all that great for your teeth, especially if you’re turning to these drinks when you’re not working out. They are high in acidity, and a recent study found that sports drinks’ acidity levels can lead to dental erosion and a loss in your teeth’s hardness. Plus, many commercial sports drinks are packed with sugars, which you already know aren’t good for your teeth.
Finally, not all foods are bad for your teeth. In fact, eating the right foods can boost your dental health. Many fruits and vegetables actually help clean your teeth. Plus, they stimulate saliva production, which washes food particles from the teeth and prevents tooth decay. Foods with calcium, such as cheese, spinach, and almonds, as well as phosphorus-rich protein, such as meat and fish, can protect and rebuild tooth enamel.