Most people know candy and other sugary foods wreak havoc on their teeth, but how about fruit?
You’ve probably heard brushing and flossing
twice a day is the best way to keep your teeth
healthy. But some foods cause enough
damage to warrant extra cleanings.
1. Apples
Apples are high in acid, are surprisingly hard
on your enamel. While a daily apple may keep
the doctor away, the acid might keep your
dentist on speed dial. Eating apples is fine,
just be sure to rinse your mouth with water or
mouthwash shortly after.
2. Hard candies
Though you probably know the sugar in candy
is a problem, hard candies are especially
harmful because we tend to hold them in our
mouths longer. Also be aware that cough
drops are often made with sugar, so opt for
the sugar-free brand if available.
3. Pickled vegetables
Pickles are made with vinegar, which is acidic,
and often sugar as well. While the vegetables
are healthy, the brine is can damage your
teeth. Drinking water with your meal helps
wash away acids and sugar, but remember to
brush an hour later.
4. Bread
Many breads contain sugar—especially
processed white breads. It’s best to check the
labels for any added sweeteners that will
breed mouth bacteria. Bread is also sticky and
gets between and behind your teeth.
5. Popcorn
Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in your
teeth, and the areas between your teeth will
cultivate more bacteria for that reason. It’s
okay to treat yourself to a bag of popcorn as
long as you rinse with water and remember to
floss and brush after.
6. Peanut butter
Sticky and often made with sugar, peanut
butter not only feeds bacteria but makes it
easier for them to adhere to teeth. Look for
natural peanut butters with no added sugars
to lessen the problem.
7. Jelly
Along with peanut butter, jelly or jam is
loaded with sugar and quite sticky. Even the
all-fruit brands contain natural sugars and
encourage plaque and bacteria if not washed
away soon.
8. Meat
Meat tends to get stuck between your teeth,
and some meat products contain sugar as a
preservative. While the amount may not be
very high, any food that sits between your
teeth can promote tooth decay. Try chewing
sugar-less gum after eating if you can’t brush right away.
9. Diet soda
Just because it doesn’t have sugar doesn’t
mean your teeth are safe. The acidity of diet
sodas is still extremely high, making it one of
the worst products for your teeth.
10. Salad dressing
More of a condiment than a food, salad
dressings use vinegar and sugar for flavor.
Salads should be a staple in anyone’s diet, but
be careful of the dressings that can harm your
smile.
You’ve probably heard brushing and flossing
twice a day is the best way to keep your teeth
healthy. But some foods cause enough
damage to warrant extra cleanings.
1. Apples
Apples are high in acid, are surprisingly hard
on your enamel. While a daily apple may keep
the doctor away, the acid might keep your
dentist on speed dial. Eating apples is fine,
just be sure to rinse your mouth with water or
mouthwash shortly after.
2. Hard candies
Though you probably know the sugar in candy
is a problem, hard candies are especially
harmful because we tend to hold them in our
mouths longer. Also be aware that cough
drops are often made with sugar, so opt for
the sugar-free brand if available.
3. Pickled vegetables
Pickles are made with vinegar, which is acidic,
and often sugar as well. While the vegetables
are healthy, the brine is can damage your
teeth. Drinking water with your meal helps
wash away acids and sugar, but remember to
brush an hour later.
4. Bread
Many breads contain sugar—especially
processed white breads. It’s best to check the
labels for any added sweeteners that will
breed mouth bacteria. Bread is also sticky and
gets between and behind your teeth.
5. Popcorn
Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in your
teeth, and the areas between your teeth will
cultivate more bacteria for that reason. It’s
okay to treat yourself to a bag of popcorn as
long as you rinse with water and remember to
floss and brush after.
6. Peanut butter
Sticky and often made with sugar, peanut
butter not only feeds bacteria but makes it
easier for them to adhere to teeth. Look for
natural peanut butters with no added sugars
to lessen the problem.
7. Jelly
Along with peanut butter, jelly or jam is
loaded with sugar and quite sticky. Even the
all-fruit brands contain natural sugars and
encourage plaque and bacteria if not washed
away soon.
8. Meat
Meat tends to get stuck between your teeth,
and some meat products contain sugar as a
preservative. While the amount may not be
very high, any food that sits between your
teeth can promote tooth decay. Try chewing
sugar-less gum after eating if you can’t brush right away.
9. Diet soda
Just because it doesn’t have sugar doesn’t
mean your teeth are safe. The acidity of diet
sodas is still extremely high, making it one of
the worst products for your teeth.
10. Salad dressing
More of a condiment than a food, salad
dressings use vinegar and sugar for flavor.
Salads should be a staple in anyone’s diet, but
be careful of the dressings that can harm your
smile.
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