SAEDNEWS: Brushing and flossing alone are not enough for oral health; avoiding certain foods is also essential. Some foods and drinks can be very harmful to your teeth.
According to SAEDNEWS, When it comes to oral health, there are certain foods and drinks you should avoid consuming in large amounts. While some of these items are part of your daily diet, it’s important to know that they can cause discoloration, decay, or damage to your teeth. In this section, we list the foods and drinks you should either avoid or limit.
In addition to being high in sodium and fat, which are harmful to the body, chips are also not good for your teeth. This tasty snack is chewy and tends to stick to your teeth. Anything that remains on the teeth produces more acid over time. Therefore, avoid eating these greasy chips and try opting for vegetable chips instead.
Citrus fruits are a healthy addition to our diet, providing vitamin C and many beneficial bioflavonoids for our bodies. However, the citric acid found in all citrus fruits can erode the tooth surface and increase sensitivity. Avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after consuming citrus fruits to allow the minerals in your saliva to restore any minerals lost due to acid exposure. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help increase saliva production, neutralize acid, and promote tooth repair.
Coffee is a good source of antioxidants, but it contains pigments that can stain and discolor teeth. Not everyone is equally prone to tooth discoloration, likely due to differences in salivary proteins. These proteins not only stick to your teeth but also don't seem to be easily removed by brushing, often requiring a visit to the dentist. These pigments are also present in tea.
Dried fruits are a delicious snack, but the sugars in them become sticky during the drying process. This stickiness allows them to easily get stuck between your teeth, leading to decay. Therefore, it’s a good idea not to skip flossing after enjoying this tasty snack.
Fruit juice contains more sugar than you might think, and eating whole fruits is always healthier than drinking juice. Whole fruits provide essential fiber and nutrients, especially for children who need them for growth and health. When thirsty, opt for a glass of milk instead of fruit juice.
Hard candies are made from pure sugar and can damage your teeth. Since these candies take a long time to dissolve, the longer they stay in your mouth, the more acid they produce.
Ice may seem like it's "zero calories," but it can have bad consequences for your teeth. Although it doesn't contain acid or sugar, chewing ice can lead to tooth fractures.
Although nuts and legumes are healthy and provide essential nutrients, they are not the best option because they are hard and brittle. They can get stuck between your teeth and lead to decay.
Regular soda pop contains a high amount of sugar. Some types of soda pop, in addition to having plenty of sugar, contain phosphoric acid, with a pH level between 2 and 4. Even in sugar-free diet soda pop, this level of acidity can easily damage the tooth surface.
A little vinegar and oil may add good flavor to a salad, but vinegar can cause demineralization and tooth sensitivity. Don’t completely avoid vinegar, but remember that its acidity can affect your teeth. After eating foods containing vinegar, avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes and chew sugar-free gum.