You may be shocked to learn that brushing and flossing are not the only tasks needed to protect the look and health of your smile. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and exams is also important, but avoiding certain foods and drinks is also essential. While surprising to learn, a few foods and drinks that you may believe are not only harmless, but also healthy, can damage your teeth. Using this guide, you will learn about these surprising foods to avoid if you want a healthy, strong, and appealing smile.
1. Ice
You may not sit around and eat ice as a meal, but many people do enjoy chewing and crunching on this frozen piece of water. Ice contains no sugar, no flavoring, and is basically flavorless, so you may wonder how it can damage your teeth.
Biting down, chewing, and crunching on a hard piece of ice can wreak havoc on your oral health. The force of biting down on the hard ice will quickly wear down the enamel coating on your teeth. Over time, this erosion allows other food and bacteria to penetrate the teeth, increasing the risk of severe stains, cavities, and infections.
2. Juice
If it is made from water, juice, and even some vegetables, you probably think it is a healthy option for you and your family. However, drinking juice can also harm your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Not only does juice contain cavity-causing sugar, it also contains citrus acids that erode tooth enamel. In addition to the enamel erosion, the acidic properties can decrease saliva in your mouth. Without a sufficient amount of saliva, your mouth will become a hot, dry area for bacteria growth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Peanut Butter
If you have a sweet tooth while trying to limit your intake of carbohydrates, you may snack on peanut butter. Although high in protein and healthier when compared to cake, cookies, or ice cream, peanut butter is not a smart option if you are trying to improve your oral health.
Most peanut butters are high in sugar, which can erode tooth enamel, stain your teeth, and cause cavities. The sticky texture remains on your teeth and in your mouth for longer periods of time compared to other types of food, too, which increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay even further.
Ice, juice, and peanut butter may seem like smart snacks, but they can do enormous damage to your oral health. To prevent erosion of your enamel, stains, and tooth decay, reduce your intake of these surprising foods. To learn more about keeping your teeth clean, contact resources like Robert J Bauder DMD.
