Although they’re a healthier option, citrus fruits can be quite damaging to our teeth. Citrus fruits are highly acidic, and the acids they contain can cause tooth enamel to wear over time. Known as tooth erosion, this wear may cause some individuals to experience increased sensitivity in their teeth.
Important tips
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking citrus fruits or juice
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating
- Limit the frequency you snack on citrus fruits to reduce the exposure of acid to your teeth
Dried fruits can be especially troublesome for your teeth. The process of drying fruit removes almost all of the water they contain, but doesn’t reduce the amount of sugar at all. Hence, the sugar in dried fruit is much more concentrated than when it is fresh, and the stickiness of dried fruit allows this sugar to stay on your teeth for longer. Bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and release acid which erodes tooth enamel and ultimately can cause cavities.
Important tips
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating dried fruit snacks
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating
- Limit the number of times a day you snack on dried fruit
Foods that require a bit of extra exertion to chew are also foods that can be harmful to your teeth.
Chewing hard foods can damage our teeth and make us susceptible to dental emergencies such as chipped, cracked, and broken teeth, and even loosened crowns.
Important tips
- Limit the amount of hard foods you eat
- Break the food into smaller pieces if possible before eating
- Never use your front teeth for chewing hard food as they are thinner and more prone to damage
Starchy, refined carbohydrates such as soft bread, pasta and chips can stick in your mouth and increase the build-up of plaque. Starches made from white flour are simple carbohydrates which break down into simple sugars. Bacteria feed on these sugars and produce acid, which can lead to tooth decay.
Important tips
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating starchy foods
- Avoid snacking between meals to help reduce plaque build up
