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At work, at school, and even at home, you might snack throughout the day, and often on foods that are harmful to your teeth. Your dentist knows sugar is one of the causes of tooth decay, so he or she warns you against it. Here are some foods that can wreak havoc on your teeth and smile. 

Hard Candy

For many people, the holiday season means indulging in sweets, candies, and other sweet treats that seem like they’re harmless to your teeth. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Hard candies are some of the worst culprits for causing tooth decay because they stick to your teeth; since they are so sticky, they take longer to eat with saliva washing them away, and their high sugar content feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities.

Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are full of sugar and poor for oral health. An occasional soda is unlikely to cause serious harm to teeth; however, regularly drinking soft drinks contributes to tooth decay. Over time, the sugar in soft drinks can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities. The acids found in most sodas can also cause tooth erosion. Want to enjoy a refreshing soda? Drink it through a straw to prevent contact with your teeth. Drinking water is always a better choice for your oral health.

This beverage contains both sugar and acid that will damage your teeth. If you love this sweet citrusy treat, try to drink it quickly and rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize any damaging effects. You may also want to brush your teeth afterward to remove leftover residue that can harm your teeth and gums.

Coffee and Tea

Both coffee and tea can stain teeth, so it is best to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming these beverages in order to minimize their effects on your smile. Although tea and coffee are both dark in color, the truth is that coffee is actually more acidic than tea, which is why coffee lovers should always brush their teeth after drinking coffee in order to protect against cavities and erosion caused by excess acidity. Caffeinated drinks like coffee tend to dry out the mouth and cause bad breath over time. So it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water when you’re drinking caffeinated beverages to help wash away some of the dehydrating effects. Water also helps flush away remaining residue and clean the teeth. Drinking water throughout the day will also help keep the body hydrated.

Wine

Alcohol has a high acidity level which wears away the enamel on your teeth. This is why red wine tends to be the worst offender when it comes to wine’s effect on your oral health. While white wine is more acidic than red due to its lack of tannins and preservatives, its lighter flavor causes people to sip more to enjoy an effective buzz. One glass of white wine has the same negative effect as half a glass of red wine.

Sports Drinks

Anyone that enjoys watching sports knows that our favorite players enjoy drinking a lot of Gatorade or Powerade during the games. These drinks contain so much sugar that they are nearly as bad as soda. In fact, they are actually meant to quench thirst but contain little actual water. Instead, these drinks are infused with artificial sweeteners and sugar, which can do severe damage to teeth. The acidity in these drinks can also cause erosion of enamel as well. So the next time your team scores a touchdown, celebrate without damaging your teeth. 

To learn more, get in touch with Bonanza East Dental at 4890 E Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89110, or call (702) 649-6859 to book your appointment.