7 Foods That Will Damage Your Teeth

7 Foods That Will Damage Your Teeth
For children, trips to the dentist are scary, mostly because it’s unknown territory. They can still be scary for adults, only now it’s because we know what to expect—and how much it’s going to cost. So keeping our teeth clean and healthy is high on the priority list, which is why we’ve compiled this list of 7 Foods That Will Damage Your Teeth

Here 7 Foods That Will Damage Your Teeth

1.  Apples
Apples are high in acid, are surprisingly hard on your enamel. While a daily apple may keep the doctor away, the acid might keep your dentist on speed dial. Eating apples is fine, just be sure to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash shortly after.

2.  Hard candy
A post-meal mint may seem like a smart choice, especially if you indulged in the Caesar salad at lunch, but Dr. Vogl says you could be doing more harm than good. “Mints, cough drops or hard candies that you suck on have a demineralization effect," he says, "because usually the lozenge ends up sitting in one area for longer periods of time and you get a very concentrated build-up of acid.” But don’t think you're doomed to have bad breath. “If you use lozenges of any kind on a regular basis," Dr. Vogl suggests, "you should consider getting sugar-free versions.”

3.  Ice is for chilling, not chewing
You’d be surprised at how many people think ice is good for their teeth. It’s made of water, after all, and doesn’t contain any sugar or other additives. But chewing on hard substances can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency and damage enamel. Advice: Break the habit and enjoy water in its liquid form.

4.  Pickled vegetables
Pickles are made with vinegar, which is acidic, and often sugar as well. While the vegetables are healthy, the brine is can damage your teeth. Drinking water with your meal helps wash away acids and sugar, but remember to brush an hour later.

5.  Sodas and fruit juices
Once again, sugar is the bad guy when it comes to these sweet beverages. But don’t stress out too much over them. “Unless you’re keeping the soda in your mouth for extended periods of time, or have the habit of swishing the soda around your teeth before swallowing, the demineralization effect can be minimized by drinking some water right after. In addition, keep a stash of straws on hand at all times, to keep the liquid away from your teeth as much as possible.

6.  Watch your citrus intake
The truth is that frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So even though a a squeeze of lemon or lime can turn a simple glass of water into a fun beverage, it's not always the best choice for your mouth. Citric fruits and juices can also irritate mouth sores. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water

7.  Popcorn
Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in your teeth, and the areas between your teeth will cultivate more bacteria for that reason. It’s okay to treat yourself to a bag of popcorn as long as you rinse with water and remember to floss and brush after.