It’s probably no surprise that candy is a major culprit among foods that can cause your teeth to rot, especially when you slack on your oral health. But did you know that there are other foods and drinks out there that can cause plaque buildup, stains and tooth decay?

Candy: Bad Things for Your Teeth

You’ve probably heard multiple times already that candy is bad for your teeth, and that’s because it is. Whenever you eat or drink something sugary, sugary foods feed harmful bacteria in your mouth, which release acids and produce acid that can damage your teeth, wear down tooth enamel, and even contribute to bad breath and other dental problems.

Sour and chewy candy are some of the worst foods for oral health. Sour candy can be very acidic, which can weaken and damage the enamel more easily. Chewy sweets, including sugary sweets and other sugary treats, are also bad for your teeth because these sticky foods can trap food particles on teeth and gums, leading to plaque formation, plaque buildup, and increasing cavity risk. With less contact from saliva, there is also less saliva flow and saliva production to help wash sugars away.

White Bread

Starchy foods and refined carbohydrates, such as potato chips, bread, and pasta, can be harmful to the teeth. These foods can leave food particles behind and break down into sugars, increasing cavity risk and contributing to dental problems. Similar to candy, bacteria feed on these sugars and produce acid that can damage your teeth.

Carbonated Drinks and Tooth Decay

There are several soft drinks and acidic drinks out there that are becoming popular. Instead of reaching for a sugary soda in the fridge, many people opt for sparkling water to get that satisfying fizz, but the same concerns can apply across soft drinks, including regular soda, diet soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks. Unfortunately, sparkling water isn’t as great as you think.

It’s important to be mindful of what sparkling water you are drinking. For example, citrus-flavored sparkling waters are often higher in acid levels, which can weaken enamel and contribute to enamel erosion even when they are sugar-free.

Citrus Fruits and Acidic Foods

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, can be healthy snacks with vitamin C and other health benefits that support overall wellness. However, these acidic foods can affect dental health because their acids, along with acids produced by dental plaque, can erode enamel and wear down tooth enamel. After citrus or fruit juices, drink water. It is important to limit how much citrus fruits you consume, avoid putting these highly acidic fruits against your teeth and use a straw when drinking fruit juices.

Alcohol and Oral Health

Beer, wine, and mixed drinks can be very acidic, and alcohol can also cause dry mouth by reducing saliva, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Some mixers also contain hidden sugars, which can add to the risk for cavities instead of supporting healthy teeth. Beer is both acidic and carbonated, which are bad for your enamel.

Wine contains tannins, which are the substances that provide the texture and mouthfeel to wine. They are what create the drying sensation in your mouth when you drink red wine. Unfortunately, the tannins in the wine can cause teeth stains, as they cling to any plaque buildup on your teeth, and alcohol-related dryness can affect both teeth and gums.

Contact Abra Health

Our practice is a one-stop-dental-shop for the entire family! Whether you need pediatric care, orthodontic services or oral surgery, we are ready to serve you. Regular dental visits help detect early signs of decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral hygiene. Preventive care, including fluoride, helps strengthen enamel, repair early damage, and reduce the risk of dental diseases. A balanced diet with healthy snacks, less added sugars, and plenty of water can also help support healthy teeth; the american dental association recommends limiting sugar to 12–15 teaspoons daily. Schedule your appointment today!