We think we have a good idea of which foods we should avoid for the health of our teeth—things like soft drinks, candy, cookies, cake, and other sugary foods. We are also aware that citrus is so acidic that it can wear away at our teeth over time. But there may be some foods lurking out there of which you are not aware.
- Pickles – Most of us don’t think about the fact that the vinegar used to make pickles has a really high acidity. This acid can wear away at the enamel of our teeth over time. Snacking here or there is ok, as long as you maintain regular tooth care. However, according to Health Magazine, eating them more than once a day increases your chances of tooth decay.
- Sports drinks – If you’re looking for a good alternative to soft drinks, sports drinks are not the option you should choose. You may be tempted to think that they carry lots of sugar too, but it’s actually their acidity that can cause major problems for your teeth.
- Saltine crackers – While saltine crackers may seem harmless, they are actually one of the very worst foods for your teeth. SheKnows.com actually says that what most people don’t realize is that saltines are highly genetically engineered, causing their glycemic index to be much, much higher and more cavity causing…even worse than candy!
- Sticky foods – When you think of sticky foods, your mind might immediately picture caramel or Tootsie Rolls. However, sticky foods include things like dried fruits and trail mix, too. These sticky foods stick to your teeth much longer than other foods, which is what makes them so dangerous for your teeth. The ADA recommends rinsing with water after eating these types of foods and continuing with your daily tooth care.
- Chewable vitamins – If you or your children take chewable vitamins, watch out! In order to make these vitamins palatable, their makers add lots and lots of sugar. Combine this with the fact that chewable vitamins can easily get stuck in your teeth, and you have a recipe for cavities.
- Dark foods/drinks – This includes everything from coffee, tea, and red wine to things like beets, soy sauce, kale, and berries—anything that has a really deep pigment. So why are dark foods and drinks so bad? They can cause deep and permanent staining of your teeth. To help prevent this, make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly right after eating these types of foods.
The most important thing to remember with these surprise tooth decay culprits is to take care of your teeth after consuming them. A little splurge here and there is ok, as long as you don’t allow them to stay on or in your teeth very long, and continue to rinse, brush, floss, and visit your dentist on a regular basis.
If you have noticed changes in your teeth, or see them visibly yellowing or staining, please let is know so we can show you some of our easy, no fuss options. Use our convenient online appointment request form. We would love to help your teeth be as beautiful as they can be. Sometimes it just takes a simple change to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Image credit: 123RF