The Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Now that you know what foods you should be eating, here are some foods that you should avoid.

1. Hard Candies

Not only are hard candies full of sugar, but they are also sticky. These means that the sugar sits closer to the teeth for a longer amount of time, which gives the bacteria more opportunity to use the sugar as fuel to create acid. It can also cause broken teeth and restorations.

2. Ice 

This one may surprise you! While ice doesn't have any sugar or even any calories, chewing on ice can also cause broken teeth and restorations. It can also weaken enamel, the strong outer layer of the teeth that cannot be repaired.

3. Citrus 

Citrus may seem like a good choice because it's fruit, but citrus is high in acid. Sucking on lemons or eating lots of grapefruits and oranges can erode enamel, causing sensitivity and making it easier for cavities to penetrate the enamel. They can also irritate sores like canker sores. 

4. Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like fruit snacks and dried fruit aren't nearly as beneficial as fresh fruit because they stick to the teeth, keeping the sugar close to the teeth and bacteria. 

5. Potato Chips 

Potato chips are full of starch, which is a form of sugar. The thin structure of the chips allows them to get trapped in between the teeth, which then gives the bacteria lots of starch to snack on. 

Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/worst-foods-for-your-teeth#1 

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/9-foods-that-damage-your-teeth