10 Worst Foods and Beverages for Your Teeth

Presenting Food That Are Bad For You

The connection between food and tooth health

The connection between food and tooth health is a very important one. It is not just about how healthy the food is, but also how it can affect your mouth.

There are many foods that are good for your teeth, such as apples and carrots. There are also some foods that should be avoided if you want to have healthy teeth, such as sugar-filled candy.

The connection between food and tooth health is a very important one because it’s not just about how healthy the food is but also how it can affect your mouth. There are many foods that are good for your teeth like apples and carrots, there are also some foods that should be avoided if you want to have healthy teeth like sugar-filled candy.

10 worst food and beverage that are bad for you

1. Candy, Sweets and Anything With Sugar

Too many sweets are bad for you. Overindulging in candy, chocolate and other sugar-filled food can increase the risk of weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay. There are certain treats that stick in your mouth for a long time, such as caramels, lollipops, hard candies and jelly beans. They don't dissolve in saliva for a long time which is bad for the teeth because it makes them dry. If you find yourself craving sweets, try to eat them post-meal and drink lots of water afterwards. It’s also helpful to brush teeth before indulging.

2. Soda and other Fountain Drink

If you’re drinking soft drinks, there might be a common misunderstanding that they are “safe.” However, this is not the case due to the acidic content which damages your teeth.It is best to avoid soft drinks altogether if possible.  If you do need a sugary drink, though, make sure to wait about 30 minutes after your last sip before brushing for the same reason.

3. Coffee and/or Tea

Caffeine can be addictive and many of us use it every morning to get energized. It might not be harmful to your oral health on its own, but if you add sugar to it, the drink becomes more dangerous for your teeth.

In addition to coffee, tea has some downsides. Drinking lots of coffee or tea can cause your teeth to stain, you might experience dry mouth. If you drink it regularly, then make sure you drink plenty of water & avoid adding sugar in your beverage.

4. Wine

White and red wine contain erosive acid, which can leave teeth susceptible to decay. Red wine also contains tannins which dry out your mouth. Drinking plenty of water alongside wine can protect enamel and keep your teeth healthy - so remember to drink up! Doing this will reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth and give tannins less to cling onto. You should also wait for at least 30 minutes after having a glass of wine before brushing your teeth.

5. Gatorade & Similar Drinks

After a workout, some people mistakenly believe sports drinks will replenish your body with fluids and minerals. However, these drinks are acidic which can cause tooth decay, as well as being thick and sticky. Water is a much better choice for rehydrating after working out since it is less harmful to your teeth & stomach.

6. Orange Juice & Other Juices

Citrus fruits and juices are part of a good diet regimen. However, you should stay aware that they contain a lot of acid and can wear away at the enamel on your teeth, making them vulnerable to plaque buildup and cavities. Drinking juices with a straw will help to prevent acid from reaching your teeth. As mentioned earlier, make sure you don't brush your teeth for at least half an hour after eating or drinking anything acidic.

7. Crackers & Other Carbohydrates

Crackers are a popular snack for many people and seem harmless and even healthy. But although crackers can be good in moderation, they're mainly packed with refined carbohydrates. There have been many studies that show that high refined carbohydrate levels can lead to obesity and diabetes, which can in turn lead to chronic health problems. 

Inflammation is the cause of a lot of chronic conditions, including periodontitis and gingivitis. So just be mindful not to overindulge in cracker consumption!

8. Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti can be delicious, but be mindful that the acidic tomato sauce and carbohydrates from pasta can feed bacteria that cause cavities. Consider pausing for a moment of mindful eating before digging in again. It's also important to keep in mind that the tomato in pasta sauce is also acidic. Adding a tomato-based pasta sauce to your pasta will acidify the dish twice over. This being said, the long strands of pasta and tomato sauce that you typically use to prepare spaghetti can feed bacteria in your mouth, which can cause cavities. Pause for a moment of mindful eating before diving into your meal.

9. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit isn't very good for your teeth. It is full of sugar and has the consistency of gum. Dried fruit does not need to be taken out of your pantry, but make sure to eat it in moderation and stay hydrated. It’s also essential that you brush your teeth at least thirty minutes after eating any type of dried fruit.

10. Ice

Ice may just be frozen H2O, but it can still do some major damage to your teeth and gums. Chewing on hard substances such as ice/candy can damage your enamel and lead to dental emergencies when you break or chip a tooth. The best way to drink water is in its liquid form.

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Dr. Lourdes Capulong, DDS is a dental professional and philanthropist with a passion for oral health and quality of life. She is committed to improving the lives of patients by providing them with the best dental health care services in the community. You may reach her at (323) 257-7582 or email her at DrLourdesCapulong@gmail.com