8 Foods That Are Bad For Your Teeth

Your daily diet has a bigger impact on your oral health than you realize. So much so that the saying “You are what you eat” seems to have been created to drive home this point. 

Researchers have identified certain foods and beverages that increase the risk of plaque buildup in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky formation around your teeth that leads to gum diseases and other oral health complications. 

Our dentists at Everyone’s Family Dental in Illinois and Wisconsin recommend that you avoid these foods altogether or at least limit your intake to keep plaque at bay and ensure the safety of your teeth. 

What are these foods that are bad for your teeth? Read on to find out.

• Hard Candies

Hard candies are loaded with sugar. If you constantly expose your teeth to these sugary snacks, you could end up with a broken tooth or tooth decay.

• Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea stimulate our brains when consumed in moderation. However, they are also the culprits behind tooth stains and dry mouth. Our dentists at Everyone’s Family Dental recommend cutting down on coffee and tea to two servings a day and hydrating well after consuming them.

• Soda

A can of sugary soda can help you cool down after a long day. However, it also contains acids that can damage your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.

• Bread

When you chew bread, it becomes a sticky paste that can get stuck in the spaces below and between your teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay.

• Alcohol

When you consume excessive amounts of alcohol, your body loses hydration. This leads to dry mouth, bad breath, tooth decay, and even oral cancer.

• Sports Drinks

Sports drinks can give you a burst of energy when you are performing rigorous exercise. However, they are loaded with sugar and cause tooth decay.

• Ice

Chewing ice can have a cooling effect. But, this will also leave you vulnerable to dental emergencies such as a chipped tooth or soft tissue and enamel damage.

• Citrus 

Citrus such as oranges and lemons contain acids that can melt away the tooth enamel and potentially cause various oral health complications.

Cutting down on eating these foods can keep your teeth strong and enhance your smile. So, if you want strong, white teeth, follow our dentists’ advice and consume them in moderation. 

If you have any queries about tooth decay or have suffered a dental emergency, call our offices in Illinois and Wisconsin at (815) 847-9292 and book an appointment. Our experienced dentists will be happy to help!