It is not something that people normally consider, how certain foods can impact their teeth. Everything that enters our mouth to be eaten is chewed (or slurries), so everything affects our teeth in a positive or negative way. Sadly, most contemporary foods are bad news for teeth.
There are four categories of tooth-damaging foods:
– Sugary
– Sticky
– Acidic
– Hard or sharp
It is beneficial to consider these groups when selecting foods to fill during a treat or meal, for a lot of foods can be categorized into these four descriptions. With over 10 different foods that can damage your teeth, this list features the ones that might just shock you.
10 Foods You Had No Clue Were Ruining Your Teeth
1. Orange Juice
The fact that orange juice is bad for teeth is shocking to people because it is loaded with vitamins such as vitamin C. The issue is that orange juice is very acidic; therefore, it eats away at the enamel. Commercial orange juices have sugar, which causes cavities.
2. Raisins
It is sticky, the issue with raisins — and all dried fruit. Raisins can stick to teeth and contribute to decay. They are similar to gummy candy and pastes, and it can be difficult to brush all the remaining residues that settle on the inner pockets of your mouth.
3. Pasta and Bread
Just like raisins, pasta and bread have some similar stickiness problems. Each can grab onto teeth and be difficult to remove after eating. Soft bread, though tasty, is a particularly challenging food because it clumps to aubitory mucosa regions. Crustier loaves, like baguettes, are a better option.
4. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is always thought to be a healthy snack option, but it’s not so good for healthy teeth. It is clingy, so it will remain on your teeth, which makes it even more attractive to bacteria. Again, commercial peanut butter is filled with sugar and starch, which are bad for teeth. Although peanut butter and jelly sandwiches aren’t the most tooth-friendly sandwich there is, as none of the three components would be labeled as good for the teeth (sugar and stickiness), those combinations alone do not form the worst tooth-damaging sandwich.
5. Tortilla Chips
The issue with tortilla chips, or any chip, from potato chips to other snack chips, is they are brittle and jagged. Snacks, and especially tortilla chips, can jab gums or teeth and cause damage and pain. And the starch in these products feeds bacteria in the mouth.
6. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are many people’s favorite way to rehydrate after a workout. Unfortunately, their sugar content makes them a poor choice for teeth. Sugary drinks, be it sports drinks, sodas, or juice, are bad for teeth health. Sugar doesn’t disappear, and that’s the problem.
7. Bananas
One food that people are surprised to learn is bad for teeth is bananas. While bananas have many nutritious characteristics, their softness can make it easy for them to sneak into hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as between, behind, and around teeth. It can contribute to decay if it isn’t removed, and you have to be particularly vigilant in brushing after you consume bananas.
8. Granola Bars
Granola bars are perceived as a healthy snack, or a decent breakfast replacement. The downside is the small granola bits can get wedged into the spaces between teeth, leading to both pain and tooth decay. Another issue with granola bars is that they can be sticky if they are made with honey or similar products, and they also contain added sugar. Their stickiness makes them dangerous to your teeth (the sugar adheres to spots in your mouth).
9. Red Wine
Red wine, doctors have proven, is better for heart health but it does not do your teeth any good. It’s a high-stain beverage, which implies that your teeth will create deep spots by consuming wine. It also contains acid, which can eat away at teeth. Sugar is also present in red wine, and that may cause cavities.
10. Popsicles
Many people who once loved popsicles and perhaps still eat one on a hot summer day are disappointed to see them on the list. There are two problems with this food in relation to oral health. It contains ice, which can be painful to sensitive teeth. Ice, per se, is not good for teeth, especially to chew, as it can be hard and sharp on teeth and gums. The same applies for popsicles, while they are softer than ice. The second issue is the sugar. You can make popsicles out of either sugar-based drinks or juices. Both have an awful lot of sugar.
Are You Surprised?
The top 10 worst foods for teeth list may be surprising to some because the foods on the list can include nutrients that doctors recommend. That doesn’t mean you should avoid these foods entirely. People who have these foods or drinks should brush their teeth after consumption and pay attention to flossing to get between the teeth to remove the sticky materials. Moderation, where the items are concerned, as opposed to per day, is also good. That can help keep your teeth healthy and help you eat your favorite foods.