Consume These 5 Things, and Damage Your Teeth

What foods damage your teeth?

How healthy are your teeth? Studies have shown that about 91% of all American adults have at least one cavity. It’s fair to say that many people remain unaware of the steps they should take to keep their teeth safe (you need to do more than just brush twice a day!).

It can help to know the foods you should avoid, or at least, treat very cautiously. Here’s what you need to know.

Citrus

Did you know that oranges are an acidic fruit? Constant exposure to acidic foods like lemons, limes and oranges weakens the enamel of our teeth. If you’re ingesting it in juice form, using a straw or diluting your beverage with sparkling water can help reduce the likelihood of damage.

Double Double

Do you always order your coffee with “two creams, two sugars”? While coffee in and of itself isn’t too bad for your teeth — though it is more acidic than your average beverage — the constant additives are what makes this a potentially dangerous drink for your teeth. Drinking your sugared coffee all at once, rather than sipping over long periods, can reduce the risk of dental caries development.

Alcohol

Why is alcohol bad for your teeth? Basically, it attacks from two fronts. Not only is alcohol often sweet — an average glass of red wine has about a gram of sugar — but it also tends to dry out your mouth. A dry mouth means less saliva, which is necessary for maintaining a healthy oral environment.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit may be healthy, but it’s also sugary and very sticky — a combination that makes it dangerous to your teeth. To discourage plaque bacteria from forming, try to always brush and floss after consuming raisins and trail mixes, et cetera.

Crackers

Snacks like crackers are often bad for your teeth because, again, the likelihood that you’ll be consuming them over a long period of time, allowing plaque to form, is high. Crackers are a refined carbohydrate that breaks down into a sugar when you consume it. So while they might not taste that sweet, it’s about as bad as munching on a chocolate bar once you’re done. Reduce risk by washing your mouth out with water after eating.

When snacking or sipping, you should always ask yourself: what’s the damage to my teeth? The experts at All Pro Dental recommend keeping a toothbrush handy for sticky, sweet stuff, or at the very least, washing your mouth clean. Contact us at (781) 853 – 0111  information today for more tips.