Foods that Damage Your Teeth

Everyone desires a beautifully white smile, but many of us consume foods that are harmful to our teeth. While brushing and flossing can go a long way in protecting our teeth from damage and decay, avoiding certain foods can make a further impact. However, many people don’t know that some of our favorite foods are actually harmful for our teeth.

When it comes to good oral hygiene practices, choosing the right foods to eat is essential. Here at Reason To Smile Dental, we  strive to educate our patients on ways to better protect their teeth. Before you pick up your next snack, let our knowledgeable staff fill you in on some of the most common foods that damage your teeth.

Soft Drinks

It may be common knowledge by now that carbonated soft drinks are terrible for your teeth, but it’s definitely worth mentioning again. Soda, even of the diet variety, is a three-headed tooth killer. Its high sugar content can cause cavities and tooth decay, dark colored sodas can stain your teeth, and it can dry out your mouth, leaving you with less enamel-protecting saliva.

In fact, these aspects of soda are actually worse than previously thought. A recent study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that drinking large amounts of soda could have comparable damage on your teeth to illicit drugs like crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

Citrus Fruits

While soda is a well-known food that damages your teeth, citrus fruits might catch you by surprise. Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit may be healthy for you and packed with vitamin C, but the acid content in these fruits is harmful for your teeth.

The enamel on our teeth is essential to the protection of our teeth, but the high acid content in citrus fruits can wear it down. Without this crucial layer of protection, our teeth become vulnerable to decay and even cavities.

Of course, you don’t have to avoid citrus fruits altogether. Just eat and drink them in moderation and be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after.

Dried Fruits

Another surprising food that can damage your teeth are dried fruits. In fact, dried fruits are comparable to sticky candies like taffy in both sugar content and their ability to get stuck in crevices. You might assume dried fruits are a healthy snack, but you would actually be better off eating the fresh version of these fruits.

Here are some other foods that are harmful for your teeth:

  • Potato chips
  • Coffee
  • Alcohol

If you are in need of a routine dental checkup, or one of the many dental services we offer here in our Salt Lake City office, you can contact us here or call us at (801) 719-5447 to schedule an appointment today!

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