Most of us are over informed when it comes to a healthy diet. Of course, you must be well aware of what to eat to have good health, but it is also equally important to know what must be avoided.

All the food and drinks you consume have negative and positive aspects. Certain foods and beverages are otherwise not causing any harm to your overall health but can have adverse effects on your oral health.

Let’s explore the food and drinks that have harmful effects on your teeth and oral health. The rule of thumb to identify foods and beverages that harm your teeth is – ‘Avoid Sugary, Sticky and Starchy Food’.

Sugary and starchy consumables lead to more plaque – a sticky bacterial film that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. When you eat acid-releasing food, the plaque begins attacking the enamel and creates cavities which further cause pain, tooth abscesses and chewing difficulties. When left untreated, the tartar above your gum line may cause gingivitis, leading to more serious dental problems, including gum disease. So be careful, what not to eat and drink.

Let us look at the five categories of food that cause the maximum harm to your teeth.

Fizzy Or Carbonated Drinks – Colas, Coloured Foods, Etc.

Colas are the most commonly preferred summer drink. However, these carbonated fizzy drinks cause the worst dental erosion compared to any other food or drink.

Notably, those foods or drinks which are dark coloured or are loaded with added colours and preservatives leading to staining and yellowing of your teeth, which can also harm the enamel.

The bacteria and sugar combine with the saliva in the mouth to produce acid. And repeated intake of such drinks regularly attacks your tooth enamel and causes harm.

Certain drinks also contain phosphoric and citric acid and up to ten teaspoons of sugar in a single serving. So, next time you open a can or bottle of fizzy drink, be mindful.

Also, those who love sipping soda all day are adding a coat of acid to their teeth. Unfortunately, this also causes mouth dryness by reducing saliva production in the mouth.

Starch-Rich Foods – Potato Chips, Breads, Etc.

Having something crunchy to munch in-between meal times is common to most. But unfortunately, most such snacks are loaded with starch, which eventually becomes sugar.

The potato chips are so tempting that you will not stop with just a bite. But the texture of chips is so sticky that it gets trapped in between the teeth and feeds the bacteria in the plaque. So, it is also advisable to properly rinse your mouth to remove any gummy leftovers of chips from your teeth to avoid acid formation. It can also dry up saliva and lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections.

Similar is the case with breads and buns, which are nothing but starch and sugar. When you chew bread, saliva breaks down the starch into sugar, and it becomes a gummy paste-like substance, which is super sticky. So again, the whole cycle of bacteria, plaque, and acid production starts in your mouth, thus harming your dental health.

Dried Fruits – Apricots, Prunes, Figs, Raisins, Etc.

When you eat dry fruits, considered superfoods, you are considered a health geek. But even dry fruit snacking is not always regarded as healthy as many dried fruits, such as apricots, prunes, figs, and raisins, are sticky in texture.

Such dried fruits on eating get stuck inside the teeth and crevices, leaving behind lots of sugar. Packed with non-soluble cellulose fibre, these dried fruits can bind and trap sugars on and around the tooth, making them worse than sweets.

If you want to eat such fruits, consider eating them fresh with juice in it. Or else brush your teeth properly after a lip-smacking dried fruits intake and floss properly as a precautionary measure to avoid the harm it can cause.

Citrus Fruits – Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit, Etc.

These juicy fruits are everyone’s favourite, and you must be wondering why they are in the category of harmful foods. This is because all citrus fruits contain citric acid, which is also used in cleaning liquids, so imagine how harmful it could be to your teeth.

But there is a right way to have oranges, lemons and grapefruit. It should be eaten quickly, preferably as part of a meal, and the teeth should be rinsed immediately after consuming. Also, avoid sucking on citrus fruits.

If you are also fond of citrus juices, always remember to rinse your mouth afterwards. Immediate brushing is not recommended. After the acid bath, tooth enamel is more vulnerable to damage. And within a few minutes, saliva gets a chance to remineralise the teeth, so the brushing doesn’t worsen the damage.

Consumables With Extreme Temperature – Ice Or Ice Cubes

Chewing and crushing ice cubes is one habit that can cause severe damage to your teeth. You must be wondering, ice is all water and does not contain any starch, sugar, or acids. So, how can it harm your teeth?

Well, crushing ice cubes with teeth may result in broken or chipped teeth. Also, the temperature of food has a direct impact on teeth.

Eating things too cold can also cause tooth sensitivity. So next time, leave the ice cubes in your glass and don’t risk your teeth with their harm.

The tooth enamel is the first line of defence against cavities and helps protect teeth from sugar and acid attacks. Therefore, doing things that harm teeth will make them more vulnerable to acid attacks and tooth decay.

Remember, teeth are going to stay with you for a lifetime, so treat them well. Take precautions while consuming different foods and drinks. Take extra care of your oral health by scheduling regular visits to your dentist, preferably every three months.

For more information or to book a check-up, get in touch today.