What Are The Worst Foods For Your Teeth?

Most people are aware that exercise plays an important role in keeping them healthy, but did you know that your diet is vital due to the impact on your general well being and your dental health? Here are the foods that are the worst for your teeth.

1. Sugary Sweets

When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your plaque starts to breakdown the sugar into acid. This acid is harmful to your enamel and starts to dissolve it, creating cavities in your teeth. Sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time, such as hard boiled sweets, make it harder for your saliva to wash away the sugar.

2. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks, whether they are fizzy or not, contain acid, which is harmful to the enamel on your teeth. The enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Try drinking water instead to help protect your teeth from decay.

3. Wine

Red and white wine contains acid which softens your enamel, causing your teeth to look yellow. Red wine contains compounds that stain your teeth. Risks associated with drinking wine, including risks to your health, can be minimized by drinking it in moderation. To help minimize the risks try drinking water after your wine to neutralise the acid.

4. Citrus Fruits

Fruits are an important part of a well balanced diet. However, when you eat a lot of citrus fruits, the citric acid can wear down your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay. Examples of citrus fruits include limes, lemons, grapefruit and oranges. When drinking fruit juices, try to use a straw to reduce the contact with your teeth.

5. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are harmful to your teeth due to their high sugar content and acidity. The acid causes your enamel to become weakened making the teeth more susceptible to decay. The high sugar content encourages bacterial growth on your teeth, further promoting cavities.

6. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots contain highly concentrated sugar and consuming them regularly can lead to tooth decay. Instead try snacking on tooth friendly foods, such as nuts, cheeses and non acidic fruits and vegetables.

If you need any further advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@newbydental.co.uk.