10 Foods That Ruin Your Teeth & 10 That Make Them Stronger
The Perfect Smile!
When it comes to achieving the perfect smile, what you eat may be getting in your way! In fact, some foods can devastate your enamel, while others promote dental hygiene. With that in mind, here are 20 foods to consider!
1. Caramel
It’s well known that sticky candies like caramel are one of those foods known to cling to teeth. This means you essentially have to scrape them off to clean your teeth, which can result in cavity-prone bacteria.
2. Ice
If you’ve ever found yourself chewing on ice cubes or ice chips, then you should know the dangers that come with it. These icy exteriors are known to chip and weaken enamel, and are even prone to deteriorating fillings and crowns.
3. Pickles
Pickles are another snack that is quite acidic, enabling it to wear away at your enamel. If you do enjoy snacking on acidic foods like pickles, be sure to balance it out with some water or be mindful of how much you’re eating.
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4. Diet Soda
You may think diet soda is healthy for you, and while it certainly shortens your sugar intake, it still has a few harmful benefits. For instance, this soda is packed with highly acidic materials that soften and erode enamel.
5. Crackers
Crackers are another favorite snack of many, but the starchy carbs within can get quite sticky when broken down. This leaves that soft gooey sensation between your teeth, and contributes to decay in these crevices.
6. Lemon Juice
You may think fruit juice is another healthy alternative, but when it comes to teeth and acid, they’re a dangerous combination. The natural acids in lemon are known to soften enamel and wear away at it, meaning you should limit exposure when possible.
7. Energy Drinks
Your favorite energy drinks, like Monster and Red Bull, are also full of harmful sugars and acids. In fact, these energy drinks that market themselves as sporty necessities are often worse than sodas.
8. Alcohol
Another drink you’ll want to avoid is that of the alcoholic nature. This is because alcohol is known to dry out your mouth, and less saliva creates ample opportunities for bacterial growth and acid buildup.
9. Dried Fruits
Dried fruits aren’t just a healthy fruit alternative, but they’re also an integral part of snacks like trail mix. However, the dried fruit can act like a sticky candy and get trapped in crevices, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
10. Coffee
A well-known tooth degrader is coffee! Not only is it acidic, but its strong coloration leads to it staining enamel. Additionally, the extra sweet varieties also expose you to further cavity risks.
Now that we have talked about 10 foods that will ruin your teeth health, here are 10 that are actually good for your dental hygiene.
1. Yogurt
There’s something about yogurt that just feels so refreshing and clean, and even science backs this up. Unsweetened yogurt actually contains probiotics capable of fighting bad bacteria and strengthening enamel.
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2. Apples
You know the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away – and apparently that applies to dentists too! Apples not only have a high water content that promotes cleansing saliva, but their texture can also help scrub off plaque.
3. Cheese
You might not think of cheese when it comes to having a healthy smile, but these snacks are high in both calcium and phosphates. This means they act as a countering agent to acids in the mouth, and casein, a protein in milk, is known to repair enamel.
4. Green Tea
While some sweetened teas and caffeinated beverages are bad for you, green tea has more benefits than expected. This tea contains polyphenols, which combat harmful bacteria contributing to plaque. Additionally, the hot liquid is known to reduce staining as well.
5. Kale
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are another veggie that are loaded with calcium. Not only does that enable them to repair enamel, but they’re also good for your gum health. In fact, some people even recommend chewing on fibrous greens to cleanse your teeth.
6. Almonds
Almonds have a variety of benefits from promoting melatonin to helping with digestion. But it turns out they also stimulate saliva, which can help cleanse your teeth and combat bad bacteria.
7. Onions
When you think of good teeth, the last thing that comes to mind is onions. But despite that, onions have antibacterial sulfur compounds that combat cavity-promoting bacteria.
8. Carrots
Turns out carrots are both good for your eyes and your teeth. Fruits and veggies that have crunchy textures are known to mechanically clean your teeth. Additionally, they contain a lot of water, which is good for your gum health.
9. Sardines
Sardines are another food that have a stinky reputation. But sardines are rich in vitamin D, which strengthens calcium absorption in your body. Additionally, omega-3s can help against gum inflammation.
10. Water
When all else fails, turn to water. Water will wash away food particles and balance out harsh acids that harm your enamel. In fact, fluoride in water actually helps remineralize enamel as well!
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