What Are the Worst Foods for Your Teeth?

August 25, 2022

Taking care of your health includes also taking care of your teeth. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, or even after each meal, you should still think about the types of food that go into your mouth. Some of these foods help you to keep your teeth strong and healthy, and others can erode enamel and create destructive acids. When you come in for Marco Island dental care, the dentist can teach you more about what you should consume, but let’s first examine some of the foods you should avoid, or at least eat in moderation.

male patient receiving Marco Island Dental Care

Why Eating Healthy Is Important

Eating healthy is a fantastic way to nourish your body, while also delivering key nutrients that keep your smile strong! It is necessary to keep up with regular oral care and professional teeth cleanings for a healthy smile.

Food You Should Avoid

Candy

It’s no secret that candy is the number one enemy of teeth. Although sugar-free candies are better than those with conventional sugar, these sweets can stick to your tooth enamel, generating harmful acids that could damage your teeth.

Dried Fruit

Although dried fruit would seem healthier than candy, these fruits are high in natural sugars. Dried fruit also tends to be sticky, which makes it easy to get trapped in your teeth.

Citrus Fruits

Lemons, limes, and oranges are high in vitamin C and generally healthy for you, but consuming them can cause damage to your smile. These fruits have a low pH, which means they are very acidic and can harm tooth enamel.

Bread

Bread tends to be sticky and easily gets trapped between teeth or in the crevices of your molars. If you eat bread, choosing whole options such as whole wheat may be better for your smile than white bread.

Popcorn

Homemade popcorn is a healthy snack if prepared correctly; unfortunately, it is also one of the worst foods for your teeth. The kernels can get stuck in your teeth and underneath the gumline. In worst case scenarios, you can even crack or chip a tooth if you bite down on one too hard.

Cereals

Many cereals are packed with sugar. On top of that, they are made with simple carbohydrates, meaning they can stick to your teeth just like loaves of bread.

Foods with Vinegar

Like citrus fruits, vinegar has a low pH, meaning it is acidic and can damage tooth enamel. Foods with vinegar include salad dressings, ketchup, hot sauces, and marinades.

Instead of these products, try some of the best food choices for your oral health, including cheeses, meats, nuts, vegetables, and milk. These foods are high in calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that help keep your enamel strong. 

While eliminating all these foods from your diet may not be realistic, at least be sure to take care of your teeth after consuming them.