September 22, 2016

5 healthy foods that may not be so good for your teeth

We all know that sweets and fizzy drinks are bad for our teeth, however what many people do not realise is that there are also lots of healthy foods that can be equally as damaging. In fact, healthier foods which contain lots of sugar are often bigger culprits of tooth decay as many of us do not realise that we need to take extra care of our teeth after eating them. Here is a list of five healthy foods that could be damaging your teeth.

Raisins

Although they are considered a healthy snack, dried fruits, such as raisins, are often high in sugar and have a syrupy texture which sticks to the teeth. Without proper care, this makes them highly likely to cause tooth decay. Whilst other fruits such as grapes or strawberries also contain lots of sugar, the water that is in them helps to dilute the impact of sugar on the teeth. With dried fruits however, all of the water has been extracted, turning your healthy snack into something that is purely concentrated sugar.

Health Bars

When trying to eat healthier, many of us trade in a chocolate bar for a nice nutritious health bar. The only problem is however, that very often they are actually full of sugar, which can be extremely misleading for many people. A lot of us don’t realise the impact that health bars can have on our oral health, particularly if we are eating them on the go and cannot brush our teeth until much later on. That is why it is really important to be aware of how much sugar is in your health bar and also to make sure that you are brushing your teeth shortly after eating them.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as grapefruits, oranges and limes are extremely high in acidity. Over time, this can start to erode the tooth’s enamel and weaken your teeth. Once the enamel has eroded, it cannot grow back, leaving you with long-term oral health problems. This can include extreme sensitivity or pain, tendencies to easily chip or break the teeth and unsightly stains on the tooth’s surface.

Sports drinks

Many of us consume sports drinks as we are doing exercise, to help us reenergise as we go. However, although sports drinks are associated with health and fitness, they are actually very unhealthy for your teeth. The large amounts of sugar and acidity that they contain make them prime suspects for cavities and erosion, particularly if you are doing exercise a few times a week. We recommend sticking to water when you can or in situations where a sports drink is essential, try to also have your toothbrush handy.

Ice

Although ice is completely free from sugar and acidity, it can still cause problems for your teeth. Many people have a tendency to harmlessly crunch on ice, which can actually cause the tooth to chip or break. It could even cause problems with previous dental work you have had done, for example loosening a filling or veneer.

Remember…

Although these foods can have a damaging effect on your teeth, it is important to remember that without regularly brushing and flossing, your teeth are always at risk of decay and erosion. If you have already suffered from tooth loss, there are still lots of options available to restore your teeth and help you regain your confidence. Dental implants are the only permanent solution to tooth loss and even act and look as though they are your real teeth. For more information on dental implants, get in touch.

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