Below we have listed the 5 worst foods for your teeth. Some of these foods on the list might come as a surprise, others most definitely will not. The bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugar which causes cavities and erodes the enamel of your teeth. Check out our list below and see the reasons why.
1. Dried fruit - Dried fruits have long been considered a healthy snack, especially for kids. Dried fruits such as raisins stick to your teeth and contain a lot of sugar. Because they are so sticky they stay on the teeth for hours, giving bacteria more time to eat through them and causing dental erosion. The plaque acids caused by the dried fruit continue to attack your teeth long after you’ve stopped eating them.
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2. Sugary Drinks - Drinks like soda (even diet soda), lemonade, and even fruit juices pour a constant sugar bath over your teeth each time you take a sip. This constant sugar bath can lead to erosion of your teeth. If you must have these drinks, it is better to drink them with a meal to counter-balance the acid and sugar that you are pouring over your teeth.
3. Hard Candy – Hard Candies take a long time to dissolve in your mouth. This allows for more time for the sugar to produce acid which together with the sugar are attacking the teeth and causes tooth decay.
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4. Crackers – Crackers such as saltines and fish shaped crackers have a much higher glycemic index because they are made of white refined flour as well as many genetically engineered ingredients. The bacteria in your mouth feed off of these simple and fermentable carbohydrates. Saltines and Goldfish stick to your teeth when you eat and bacteria will feast on them for hours.
5.
Citrus and Acidic Foods – Foods like tomatoes and grapefruits contain a lot of natural acid. Although these foods are an essential part of a healthy diet, you should not eat them alone. They should be eaten with a meal, or wash them down with water to wash away the acid after you eat them. The acid in these healthy foods can wear away the enamel on your teeth if eaten alone.
Dr. Magid is a warm and friendly General Dentist practicing in Livingston, NJ. When he is not helping patients improve their smiles or get them out of pain, he enjoys cooking and is an avid sports fan. Read what Dr. Magid’s patients are saying about him: www.davidmagiddmd.com, check out our website: www.livingstonsmiledesign.com or call us to book an appointment: 973-992-8800.
