They say you are what you eat. And in no better place can that be seen than in your teeth. That’s because many foods and drinks can cause plaque, severely damaging your teeth. Plaque is a bacteria-filled sticky film that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. After you eat a sugary snack or meal, the sugars cause the bacteria to release acids that attack the tooth’s enamel. When the enamel breaks down, cavities can develop.
Trying to find a ‘healthy diet’ continues to be a modern-day minefield, so here are a few foods to eat in moderation….
Citrus fruits – Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are tasty as fruits and juices and are packed with vitamin C. But their acid content can erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. If you want to get a dose of their antioxidants and vitamins, eat and drink them in moderation at mealtime and rinse with water afterwards. ManyEven squeezing a lemon or lime into water adds acid to a drink. People now drink lemon-flavoured water during the day to ensure they stay hydrated; whilst this is super healthy for your body, it is highly damaging to your teeth. You could use an alternative like fresh mint or cucumber.
Dried fruits – You likely assume that dried fruits are a healthy snack. That may be true, but many dried fruits — apricots, prunes, figs, and raisins, to name a few — are sticky. They get stuck and cling to the teeth and crevices, leaving lots of sugar behind. If you like to eat dried fruits, make sure you rinse your mouth with water and then brush and floss afterwards. And because they’re less concentrated with sugar, it is better to eat the new versions instead!
Diet fizzy drinks – We all know that little sound comes from fizzy drinks, even if it’s got the word “diet” on the can. A recent study even found that drinking large quantities of carbonated soda could damage your teeth as using methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Carbonated sodas enable plaque to produce more acid to attack tooth enamel. So if you sip fizzy drinks all day, you’re essentially coating your teeth in acid. Plus, it dries out your mouth, meaning you have less saliva. And last but not least, dark-coloured drinks can discolour or stain your teeth.
Smoothies – There is a massive craze for smoothies in the UK at the moment, and whilst there is no doubt that they are packed with vitamins, minerals and hydration meaning they are super healthy for your body and skin, they are also packed with fruit sugars which can cause tooth decay. You might want to consider using more veggies in your smoothies and sweetening them with a little apple or pear rather than pineapple, mangoes or melon, which are incredibly high in sugars.
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