Taking care of our teeth affects both our health and appearance. Although we brush our teeth regularly, we can experience tooth sensitivity and problems. The biggest reason for this situation is the food and drinks we consume. From the list below compiled by dentists, you can learn which foods you should pay attention to and how you can reduce possible harm.
FOODS THAT DAMAGE TEETH
GRAPEFRUIT
Citrus fruits are very nutritious and rich in vitamins, but if you consume them excessively, they can spoil your teeth due to their sugar and acid content. This is especially true of grapefruit, which has an extremely low pH, meaning it is highly acidic, so it can erode the surface of the teeth and the enamel that protects it. If you eat a grapefruit, the best thing you can do is not chew it too much and swallow it without delay.
LEMON
Lemons are also highly acidic, so they encourage erosion of tooth enamel, which can leave cavities and allow plaque in the mouth to cause more damage than usual. If you add lemon to your drink, you should preferably make sure that it is not sugary. The combination of acid and sugar can be particularly harmful.
CRACKER
Refined snacks such as crackers and chips contain carbohydrates that are converted to sugar by an enzyme in saliva called amylase. Be sure to rinse your mouth after eating them, as small pieces can get stuck in the crevices of the gums. A lot can also depend on the type you buy. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, choose whole grain products that do not contain carbohydrates.
ACID BEVERAGES
Sodas are full of sugar, so their consumption can cause tooth decay, but dentists don’t even recommend the diet version as their acid content can erode tooth enamel faster. If you can’t live without soda, you can drink through a straw as a solution. Thus, you prevent the sugary, acidic liquid from coming into contact with your first teeth. (Although this solution is harmful to the environment.) Dentists say, “If you drink acidic beverages, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, or you can rub the acids against your teeth and contribute to the erosion of your enamel.”
PICKLE
Vinegar is often used for pickling, which contains acid and thus promotes tooth wear. You can counter this by eating pickles with less acidic foods, such as eggs or cheese, and rinsing your mouth after a meal.