Teeth are the first thing people notice when you smile. They’re the make-it-or-break-it when it all comes down to making a good first impression on someone. They’re really one of the strongest parts in the human body, designed to last a lifetime. However, even teeth can decay without proper care. A balanced diet is a must for overall good health but certain foods and drinks can cause harm to your teeth. Let’s look closely at the type of foods that can be destructive to your teeth. It’s important to understand how tooth decay occurs. Your mouth is home to many bacteria that thrive on sugars and starch in the food. As they digest the sugar, they produce acids that damage the protective outer layer of your teeth, the tooth enamel. With time, the acid erosion can cause cavities and serious dental issues.
Sugar is the biggest cause of tooth decay. Sugary foods and drinks create a fertile ground for harmful bacteria to grow. For example:
- Candy (especially hard and chewy ones)
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Cakes
- Ice cream
- Sweetened foods and beverages
The longer these substances remain on your teeth, the longer these bacteria produce acids and attack the enamel. This is why candies and slowly consumed sweet foods and drinks can cause the most damage.
As mentioned above, acidic foods would directly damage the tooth enamel, weakening your teeth and leaving them more vulnerable to decay. For example:
- Citrus fruits
- Foods with vinegar
- Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces
- Carbonated drinks (sugar free too!)
- Sports drinks
Some of these foods have nutritional benefits. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consume them in moderate amounts and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to protect your teeth.
Sticky foods have the tendency to stick to your teeth and get lodged between your teeth. They may linger in the mouth, allowing the bacteria to attack your teeth for longer. Examples include:
- Caramel
- Toffee
- Gummy candies
- Dried fruit
- Peanut butter
- Potato chips
These foods can be especially damaging if consumed frequently or between meals, as snacks.
Starchy foods can contribute to tooth decay. Starches are complex carbohydrates that break down into simple sugars after the action of saliva on them in the mouth.
Such starchy foods include:
- White bread
- Potato chips
- Crackers
- French fries
- Pretzels
If these food particles get stuck in the teeth, they can cause bacterial action and decay.
Dried fruits are healthy snacks but they can be surprisingly damaging. They combine the sugar content from the fruit along with the sticky texture that can stick to the teeth, allowing bacteria to release acids and cause tooth decay. Common culprits are:
- Raisins
- Dried apricots
- Prunes
- Dried cranberries
If you enjoy eating dried fruits, don’t forget to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterwards.
Hidden foods that cause tooth decay but most people aren’t aware of the fact:
- Flavoured yogurt (high added sugar)
- Granola bars (sticky and sweet)
- Canned fruits (are kept in sugar syrup)
Remember to check labels for hidden sugars and opt for less processed alternatives.