Avoid These Foods for Healthy Teeth

When it comes to the health of our teeth, we should all be very vigilant. Our teeth are the only set we’ll ever get, and replacement teeth – whether dentures or implants – just never feel or perform the same. It can be difficult, however, to always avoid some of our favorite foods to protect our teeth, but in doing so, we are giving them the best chance possible at remaining strong and healthy our entire lives. Read on below to discover some of the foods that can adversely affect your teeth that you may not have known about!

Lemons

Lemons are actually known for their whitening ability when it comes to teeth – some people actually rub them on theirs. But, the reason they whiten can also damage your teeth! Lemons are highly acidic and can wear away at enamel. The acid from lemons can also remain in your saliva, causing further damage.

Wine

Everyone knows that red wine can cause pretty bad tooth stains, but white wine can be as bad. Both types of wines can dry out your mouth – not something that benefits your teeth. When your mouth is too dry, you don’t produce enough saliva to properly clean it. This is made worse by the fact that wine is acidic and can damage enamel.

Soda

Soda, both regular and diet varieties, have been shown to be harmful to teeth. The sugar mixed with carbonation makes for a bad combination for teeth, stripping away enamel, wearing them down, and making them rot faster.

All Candy

Most of us know that sticky candies that get stuck to our teeth are pretty bad for them, but hard candies, soft candies – pretty much any kind – are very bad for your teeth. The sugar sticks to teeth and causes them to rot, even when you brush very soon after.

Coffee and Tea

Coffees and teas can not only stain your teeth, but just like wine, are drying and acidic. This can be a horrible mixture for your mouth!

If some of these things are foods or drinks you enjoy, don’t worry. You don’t need to completely avoid them for healthy teeth. Try these tips when enjoying them:

• For all beverages besides water, including hot ones, try drinking with a straw.
• Brush your teeth as soon as possible after consuming these foods.
• Drink water afterward and swish it around your teeth.
• Chew some sugar free gum to help remove deposits.

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