5 Foods That Might Be Ruining Your Teeth

The saying goes that you are what you eat, and that is particularly evident in your teeth. That’s because a lot of food and beverages we consume can cause plaque, which can be seriously damaging to our teeth.

Plaque is a sticky film which is known to contain bacteria. Not only does it lead to gum disease, but it can also cause tooth decay. Every time you eat a meal or snack that contains sugar, those sugars then allow the bacteria to release acids which attack the enamel on your teeth. Once the enamel has broken down, cavities start to develop.

So, how can you avoid plaque? The best thing to do is floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day, but you can also stop plaque in its tracks by either completely avoiding or by limiting the foods below…

1. Bread

We know that nearly everybody consumes bread, but it’s best to limit the amount you have. Bread is not great for teeth because as you chew bread, the saliva from your mouth breaks the starches down into sugar. Once that happens, the bread sticks to the crevices between your teeth, which has been known to cause cavities. As a dentist, we see cavities daily and know just how damaging they are. So, if you’re craving carbs, it’s best to go with whole wheat bread. Not only does it contain less sugar, but it’s also easier to break down.

2. Citrus

Citrus can be very refreshing, particularly on a hot day. Oranges, lemons and grapefruits may be packed with vitamin C, but they’re also heavy on acidic content which can gradually erode enamel. If you want to benefit from the antioxidants and the vitamins in citrus fruit, then it’s best to consume them in moderation during meal times. Once you’ve eaten them, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water.

3. Crisps

Whilst we can’t deny that crunching through a bag of crisps is very satisfying, we also can’t deny that crisps are packed with starch. Starch becomes sugar which then gets trapped between the teeth. That sugar helps feed the bacteria within the plaque. So, if you’ve just helped yourself to a bag, it’s recommended that you floss in order to remove any particles that may be trapped.

4. Dried fruit

Although dried fruit is seen as a healthy snack, most of them are sticky. Sticky foods tend to become stuck, clinging to the teeth and leaving behind sugar. If you’re particularly fond of dried fruits, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after you’ve eaten them. You should also try to floss and brush if possible.

5. Sour sweets

It should come as no surprise that sweets are incredibly bad for your teeth, but sour sweets should be avoided entirely if possible. Sour sweets are known to contain additional acids that can be especially tough on your teeth. Not only that, but chewy sours stick to the teeth, making them far more likely to lead to tooth decay. If you find yourself craving sweets, it’s always better to eat chocolate instead. Chocolate is easier to chew, and you can wash it away relatively easily.

If you’ve been thinking about having some dental work done, speak to our North Finchley dental team today. We offer a full range of dental care services and can provide you with state-of-the-art dentistry at an affordable price.