In the article “The World’s Worst Food For Your Teeth, According To Dentists”, it is revealed that there are some foods and drinks that are even more damaging to oral health than candy. Dr. Kristy Gretzula, a dentist in Stratford, Connecticut, identifies soda and energy drinks as the biggest culprits. The high acid content in these beverages weakens enamel, and the high sugar content increases the risk of cavities. Even diet sodas, which are often seen as a healthier alternative, can be damaging due to their acid levels. Other problematic foods and drinks include popcorn, kombucha, lollipops and hard candies, wine, cocktails with sugary mixers, citrus juices, coffee, cough drops, sticky candies, ice, goldfish crackers, and gummy vitamins. Dentists caution against consuming these items as they can lead to various dental issues such as decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, and tooth breakage.
The Worst Drinks for Your Teeth
Soda
According to Dr. Kristy Gretzula, D.D.S., the owner of Hawley Lane Dental in Stratford, Connecticut, soda is the absolute worst thing for your teeth. The high acid content breaks down the enamel on your teeth, and the high sugar content increases the risk of cavities. Diet sodas are not exempt from causing damage since they are still acidic. Once enamel has deteriorated, it cannot grow back, so consuming carbonated beverages and acidic foods can have long-lasting negative effects on your oral health.
Energy drinks
Similar to soda, energy drinks are highly acidic and contain high levels of sugar. Dr. Gretzula warns that these drinks can cause enamel to weaken and cavities to form. It is best to avoid or limit consumption of energy drinks to protect the health of your teeth.
Diet sodas
Even though diet sodas do not contain sugar, they are still acidic and can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth. Dr. Gretzula advises against consuming diet sodas regularly, as they can still contribute to oral health problems.
Foods with Potential Dental Problems
Popcorn
While popcorn may be a popular snack, it can pose significant dental problems. Dr. Kenneth Magid, D.D.S., founder of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in New York, explains that biting down on an unpopped kernel can cause teeth to break. Additionally, the husks of corn have a concave shape that can easily become lodged between the tooth and gums, leading to inflammation, bone loss, and infection. It is important to floss after consuming popcorn to remove any kernels stuck between the teeth.
Kombucha
Although kombucha is often marketed as a healthy drink, it can be detrimental to oral health. The acidity level in fermented tea can strip the enamel on your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay. Dr. Magid advises waiting at least an hour after consuming kombucha before brushing your teeth, as the acid softens the enamel and brushing immediately can further damage the softened structure.
Lollipops and hard candies
Certain candies, such as lollipops and hard candies, are particularly harmful to teeth. These types of sweets stay in the mouth for a longer period, preventing saliva from washing away the sugar. This prolonged exposure increases the risk of cavities and other dental issues. Dentists recommend avoiding or minimizing consumption of lollipops and hard candies to maintain good oral health.
The Impact of Wine on Your Teeth
Red wine
Both red and white wine can have negative effects on teeth, but red wine, in particular, can soften the enamel due to its erosive acid content. Additionally, the tannins in red wine can dry out the mouth and cause teeth staining. It is advisable to consume red wine in moderation and rinse the mouth with water afterwards to minimize its impact on teeth.
White wine
White wine also contains erosive acid, which can weaken the enamel. Although it may not cause staining like red wine, it is still important to be mindful of the potential negative effects on teeth. Limiting consumption and maintaining good oral hygiene practices can help mitigate these effects.
Cocktails and Their Effect on Teeth
Cocktails with sugary sodas or energy drinks
Many cocktails include sugary mixers such as sodas or energy drinks. These mixers can coat the surface of teeth, leading to tooth decay over time. Examples include cocktails like Jack and Coke or vodka and Red Bull. Dentists recommend avoiding or limiting consumption of cocktails with sugary mixers to protect dental health.
Citrus Juices and Their Impact on Enamel
Drinking citrus juices without a straw
Citrus juices, such as orange, grapefruit, lime, and lemon, can be harmful to teeth due to their acidic nature. The acid in these juices can wear away the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to bacteria and cavities. Using a straw when drinking citrus juices can help minimize contact between the juice and teeth, reducing the potential damage.
Tips for Minimizing Staining
Alternating sips of water with coffee
Dark-colored foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea, can cause teeth to stain over time. Dr. Kevin Sands, D.D.S., a Board Certified Cosmetic Dentist in Beverly Hills, suggests alternating sips of water with sips of coffee to wash away acids and minimize staining. Water has the power to rinse acids out of the mouth, reducing the risk of staining.
Adding milk to coffee
Another tip to minimize staining from coffee is to add milk to dilute the color. This can help reduce the intensity of the staining effect on teeth.
Drinking through a straw
When consuming beverages that have the potential to stain teeth, drinking through a straw can reduce direct contact between the liquid and teeth. This can help minimize staining.
Squishing water around the mouth
Squishing water around the mouth after consuming foods or drinks that may stain teeth can help rinse away any residual particles, reducing the chance of staining.
Sugary Treats and Their Effect on Teeth
Cough drops and mints
While not part of the food pyramid, cough drops and mints can saturate teeth with sugar if kept in the mouth for extended periods. It is important to be mindful of the sugar content in these products, as prolonged exposure can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Milk Duds
Sticky candies like Milk Duds can be particularly harmful to teeth. Their sticky nature allows them to stay on teeth, providing a constant source of food for bacteria. It is recommended to brush and floss after consuming sticky candies to minimize the risk of tooth decay.
Taffy
Gummy candies like taffy are high in sugar and have a sticky texture, making them particularly damaging to teeth. These candies can stick to teeth and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove any residual taffy and maintain good oral health.
Gummy candies
Gummy candies, such as caramels and Tootsie rolls, are not only high in sugar but also have a sticky texture. This combination makes them harmful to teeth as they can stick and stay on the surface, increasing the risk of tooth decay. It is important to brush and floss after consuming gummy candies to remove any sugar residue and maintain dental health.
Beware of Ice and Hard Candy
Crunching on ice
While it may provide temporary relief on a hot day, crunching on ice can be detrimental to teeth. The hard texture of ice can cause teeth to crack, especially if there are existing fillings or craze lines, which are superficial vertical lines on teeth that become more prominent with age. Dentists warn against crunching on ice to avoid potential tooth damage.
Hard candy
Similar to ice, hard candy can also pose a risk to teeth. The hard texture can cause teeth to break, especially if they are already brittle or have fillings. Dentists recommend avoiding or limiting the consumption of hard candy to protect the health and integrity of teeth.
Crackers and Gummy Vitamins as Cavity Culprits
Goldfish crackers
Goldfish crackers, a popular snack for children, can contribute to cavities. Carbohydrates in the crackers can turn into sugars, which, when combined with bacteria in the mouth, can lead to tooth decay. The remnants of goldfish crackers can become lodged in hard-to-reach areas, making it difficult to clean with a toothbrush. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to remove food particles and maintain good oral hygiene.
Gummy vitamins
Gummy vitamins, along with other sticky foods, can stick to teeth and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. The sugars in gummy vitamins can contribute to tooth decay if left in the mouth for extended periods. Dentists recommend thoroughly brushing and flossing after consuming gummy vitamins to minimize the risk of cavities.
In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of the foods and drinks we consume and their impact on oral health. Avoiding or limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic beverages, candies, and snacks can play a significant role in maintaining good dental hygiene. Additionally, following recommended practices such as drinking through a straw, rinsing the mouth with water, and practicing regular brushing and flossing can help minimize the potential damage to teeth. By making conscious choices about what we consume and adopting good oral hygiene habits, we can protect our teeth and maintain a healthy smile.
