TLC lists the common foods and habits that can hurt our dental health — and what we can do to reduce their negative effects.
Dental Destroyer: Carbonated Drinks
Maybe it’s time to ditch the soda once and for all. We already know there’s no nutritional value to the diet stuff, and the full-sugar versions are bad for both bone density and the waistline. The sugary drinks may seem like the obvious cavity-makers, but diet and sports drinks included contain enamel-eroding acids, too.
While a less destructive option, sparkling water can also weaken tooth enamel because the fizziness comes from a weak acid solution containing carbon dioxide.
If you must sip carbonated drinks, do so through a straw so the liquid hits the back of your throat rather than hitting your teeth directly. Rinse your mouth with still water when you’re done to make sure residue of the acidic beverage isn’t left on your teeth.
[See also: 5 dangers your dentist never told you about]
And wait for a while before brushing your teeth — you don’t want to scrub the softened enamel.
Dental Destroyer: Hard Candy
Hard candy isn’t exactly a diet strategy, but many of us will suck on a mint or Jolly Rancher to keep the mid-afternoon munchies at bay. The problem with hard candies is two-fold. First, they’re “tooth crackers,” threatening to crack your teeth and secondly, they dissolve slowly giving sugar direct access to your teeth for a long time.
“Mints, cough drops or hard candies you suck on have a demineralization effect," Dr. Walter Vogl, a Toronto dentist, told Best Health, "because usually the lozenge ends up sitting in one area for longer periods of time and you get a very concentrated build-up of acid.”
When you do eat candy, down a glass of water or milk when you’re finished, especially if your toothbrush isn’t readily accessible.
[See also: 5 secrets to a brighter, whiter smile]
Dental Destroyer: Ice
It’s calorie-free and refreshing. Some people crave ice, others just munch on it out of boredom when they get to the bottom of their glass. Chomping down on ice can chip, crack or break your teeth, and can also wear down enamel.
Unlike the other habits that come with contingency plans, this is one habit you actually need to break.
Drink from a straw so you don’t have easy access to ice, or just order your drink without it. If you legitimately crave ice, see a doctor — you may be suffering from an iron deficiency.
Read how medications that cause dry mouth and starchy foods can also be bad for your dental health in TLC’s Top 5 Worst Things to Eat for Your Teeth article.
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