5 surprising foods that damage your teeth like sugar
Products that harm teeth (photo: Freepik)
Most people are accustomed to thinking of sugar as the main enemy of teeth, but in fact, there are foods that can cause even greater damage to enamel. It is important to know which foods to consume with caution to maintain a healthy smile, Real Simple informs.
Dried fruits
Dentist Sandip Sahar explained that excessive consumption of dried fruits can do more harm than good. Dried fruits are often considered a healthy snack, but they are highly concentrated sources of sugar and extremely sticky.
They can cling to teeth and cause cavities.
According to Dr. Jennifer Vitarelli's website, some dried fruits may be treated with acids such as citric or ascorbic acid, which lower the pH in the mouth and can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel.
Salted crackers and chips
Salted crackers and chips are a simple snack that contains starch, which breaks down into simple sugars and becomes pasty when chewed.
The Congressional Dental website notes that these products easily stick to and get trapped between teeth. Many people do not associate them with cavities, but they can be just as harmful as candy.
Citrus fruits (in excess)
Dr. Sahar emphasized that all fruits have some nutritional value, which means they should not be completely excluded from the diet.
Excessive consumption of these foods can harm dental health. Lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are high in acid and can gradually wear down tooth enamel. They create an acidic environment that can damage enamel.
After consuming citrus fruits, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to remove surface sugars while protecting softened enamel.
Flavored yogurts
According to the National Library of Medicine, yogurts contain calcium and beneficial probiotics. However, flavored varieties have added sugars, which can outweigh their benefits for teeth.
Regular consumption of such products without proper oral hygiene can increase the risk of cavities and other dental problems. Before buying yogurt, check the ingredients to ensure it does not contain excessive sugar.
Granola
This product is often marketed as "healthy food," but it has a sticky texture and high sugar content, especially when it contains honey and dried fruits.
It is best to choose options without large amounts of added ingredients. Combining granola with milk or Greek yogurt can help reduce the time sugars are in contact with your teeth.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
