7 Foods That Can Damage Your Teeth

Do you ever wonder if the foods you are choosing to eat are damaging your teeth? Most people choose the foods they eat purely on taste preference and not how they might affect the teeth. For example, did you know that eating something as simple as potato chips can potentially cause harm to your teeth?

You just might be surprised at which foods one needs to avoid eating in order to better protect the teeth. While most of us know that eating foods like apples and celery are beneficial for the teeth, not everyone knows which foods cause harm to the teeth.

Choosing a healthy diet is not only good for your oral health, but for your overall good health, too. Be sure to give yourself a treat from time to time!

7 foods that can damage your teeth

For the most part, staying away from foods that are acidic and/or sugary is a good rule of thumb. The bacteria in the mouth thrive on sugar and can make acids in the mouth that can easily lead to the erosion of the teeth's enamel. Knowing how any particular food can potentially affect the teeth is a good idea, as it allows someone to take the necessary measures in order to support their oral health.

Candy

• Candy to avoid eating includes both hard and chewy candies. Eating hard candies can cause a tooth to chip or break. Eating chewy candies can cause cavities because they tend to stick in the teeth, inviting bacteria growth.

Dried fruits

• Another sticky food that can easily get stuck in the teeth, encouraging bacteria formation, is dried fruit. While dried fruit may seem healthy for being fruit, the amount of sugar and texture make it a dangerous food for one’s oral health.

Potato chips

• While people love potato chips as a side or snack, they are full of starch that breaks down into sugars. These sugars stick to the teeth and allow plaque to stick on the teeth as well.

White bread

• Another food culprit that contains a lot of starches that break down into sugars is white bread. While white bread is a common choice for sandwiches, toast and side dishes, it is not healthy for one’s teeth.

Pickles

• When eaten alone, pickles are very acidic and can wear down the enamel on the teeth without proper dental care. While it is okay to enjoy a pickle from time to time, it is important to avoid high levels of consumption.

Tomatoes

• When eaten alone, tomatoes are very acidic. Similar to pickles, if one keeps up regular oral hygiene, then tomato consumption will not have as serious of an impact on the teeth.

Any food that is sticky

• When food sticks in the teeth, it attracts bacteria to that area, promoting the growth that can lead to cavities.

Got questions?

How do you even know if your teeth are damaged? Not all tooth damage is noticeable, especially in the beginning stages. Some of the not so obvious signs may include things like having more sensitive teeth, experiencing tooth discoloration issues or experiencing front teeth transparency.

If any of these describe your current situation, be sure to contact Carlos E. Sanchez, DDS at (209) 690-1118 as soon as possible to set up a dentist appointment. The sooner you can take proper care of your dental health, which includes knowing which foods to avoid in order to avoid tooth damage, the better off you are when it comes to your overall oral health.