4 breakfast meals that destroy your teeth
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Everyone knows that the first meal of the day is very important. However, some classic breakfast foods can actually harm your teeth, especially if you brush them before eating, according to dentist Andrej Bozic.
According to the doctor, your enamel becomes more vulnerable right after brushing, and what you eat or drink can either protect or damage your teeth.
"By giving your enamel time to recover [from morning brushing] and choosing the right foods, you can maintain a healthy mouth while still enjoying a nutritious breakfast," he said.
The first undesirable product is orange juice. Although this drink is typically rich in micronutrients such as vitamin C, which is known to improve overall gum health, the expert suggests that consuming it too early can damage the enamel.
If this happens, the lower layer of dentin can be exposed, giving your teeth an unwanted yellowish tint.
Drinking orange juice at this time increases the risk of damage. It's better to wait at least 30 minutes or drink water instead.
White bread and sugary quick breakfasts (like cereals) should also be excluded in the morning.
These products typically contain a lot of sugar that "sticks to your teeth," feeding harmful bacteria.
"Starches can linger and lead to plaque buildup if eaten right after brushing. Whole-grain bread is a better choice," the doctor said.
Last but not least, Dr. Bozic pointed out several types of fruits. Similar to orange juice, citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruits are highly acidic and can weaken the enamel.
Instead, he recommends opting for bananas and apples.
"Eggs, plain yoghurt, whole grain toast, and low-acid fruits like bananas provide nutrients without risking enamel erosion," the expert concluded.
