What foods are very harmful to teeth: hidden enemies of your smile

28.08.2024 02:40

A healthy smile is the calling card of every person.

However, not everyone realizes that their daily diet can pose a serious threat to their teeth.

Some products, seemingly harmless, can cause irreparable damage to enamel and gums.

Sugar containing products

Sugar is the main enemy of teeth. Products with high sugar content create an ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria that cause caries.

Candies, cakes, cookies and other sweets not only increase the acidity in the mouth, but also stick to the teeth, prolonging the negative impact.

teeth
Photo: © TUT NEWS

Especially dangerous are lollipops and caramels, which take a long time to dissolve in the mouth, ensuring constant contact of sugar with tooth enamel.

Carbonated drinks

Soda is a real tooth killer. The high sugar content combined with carbon dioxide creates an aggressive environment that destroys enamel. Even sugar-free diet versions contain acids that corrode the tooth surface.

Regular consumption of carbonated drinks can lead to enamel erosion, increased tooth sensitivity and the development of caries.

Citrus fruit

Despite their benefits for the body, citrus fruits can be dangerous for teeth. Lemons, oranges, grapefruits contain a high concentration of acids that can soften enamel.

It is especially harmful to consume citrus fruits in their pure form or as freshly squeezed juices. Constant exposure to acids can lead to thinning of the enamel and increased sensitivity of teeth.

Dried fruits

Many people consider dried fruits to be a healthy alternative to sweets, without realizing that they are harmful to teeth.

The high concentration of sugar combined with the sticky consistency makes dried fruits an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Raisins, dried apricots, and dates stick to the teeth and get stuck between them, ensuring long-term contact of sugar with enamel.

Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol has a complex negative impact on your oral health. It causes dry mouth by reducing the production of saliva, which naturally cleans teeth and neutralizes acids.

In addition, many alcoholic drinks contain sugar and acids, which can make the problem worse. Red wine, for example, can cause tooth staining and sensitivity.

Starchy foods

Starchy foods such as white bread, chips, and crackers can be just as bad for your teeth as sweets.

When chewed, they turn into a sticky mass that easily gets stuck between teeth and in hard-to-reach places. Bacteria quickly convert starch into sugar, creating favorable conditions for the development of caries.

Sports and energy drinks

Popular among athletes and students, these drinks often contain high levels of sugar and acids.

Regular consumption of sports and energy drinks can lead to enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity. It is especially dangerous to consume them during physical activity, when the body is dehydrated and the production of protective saliva is reduced.

Coffee and tea

Although coffee and tea themselves do not harm teeth, they can cause staining. Tannins contained in these drinks penetrate into microcracks in the enamel, leaving a yellowish or brownish coating.

In addition, many people like to add sugar to coffee and tea, which increases the risk of developing caries. Cold tea or coffee is especially dangerous, as it contains more acids than hot drinks.

Ice water

Drinking very cold drinks or chewing ice can cause microcracks in the enamel.

A sharp change in temperature causes contraction and expansion of dental tissue, which over time can weaken their structure. This makes teeth more vulnerable to caries and increases their sensitivity.

Author: Valeria Kisternaya Editor of Internet resources

Content
  1. Sugar containing products
  2. Carbonated drinks
  3. Citrus fruit
  4. Dried fruits
  5. Alcoholic drinks
  6. Starchy foods
  7. Sports and energy drinks
  8. Coffee and tea
  9. Ice water