Surprising Foods That Are Bad For Your Teeth

When we think of foods that are bad for our teeth the obvious ones that spring to mind are the sugar-laden treats that children and adults alike love so well. However quite often it is not the candy or chocolate in your diet that is doing the real damage to your teeth. Unless eaten in large amounts and frequently, candy, while bad for your teeth, is not actually your teeth’s worst enemy. It’s the natural foods with those wholesome qualities that we pack into our daily diet that can really harm your pearly whites. Here are five natural foods that are surprisingly bad for your teeth.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away is what they say, but what they don’t say is that the same apple may have you calling your dentist long before you’re due your regular check-up. High in acid, apples are a major culprit in the deterioration of tooth enamel which of course leads to sensitive teeth and the dreaded toothache. Cutting apples out of your diet is a step that seems a bit drastic especially when simply rinsing your mouth after eating will wash the leftover acids away.

Pickled vegetables

While pickled vegetables may not sound like a very natural food as they are after all pickled in vinegar and sugar, there are many naturally pickled vegetables that are just as bad for your teeth. Anything that is pickled will contain natural sugars or acids which we all know are very damaging to your teeth. The vegetables themselves are quite nutritious but the brine in which they are stored is not. Rinsing after each meal should wash away an excess acid or brine but brushing will ensure there are no little surprises lodged between your teeth.

Bread

Bread often contains sugar and if you are partial to the white variety then watch out. The bread you are eating every day is broken down into tiny pieces in your mouth and gets stuck between your teeth. This then eats away at your teeth and gums and is a major cause of cavities. It’s always best to read the labels or ask your baker about the sugar content in the bread you purchase. Choose a brand or loaf that is low in sugar or better still one that is sugar-free.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a staple of many health guru’s breakfasts and it is full of beneficial bacteria and probiotics but it is also high in lactic acid. I am sure that at this point you have realized that anything containing acids of any kind can be very troublesome for our teeth and yogurt, while extremely healthy, is one of those foods.

Raisins

Parents all over the world try their hardest to make raisins one of the special treats that their kids love, and if you get the right brand then they are as good a treat as candy. But don’t be fooled, if it tastes sweet like candy, then it most likely is sweet like candy. Raisins have an extremely high sugar content and are the kind of sticky food that just loves getting itself lodged between your kids’ teeth where it can do its worst. The antioxidants present in raisins make them a healthy snack but brushing after eating an absolute must.

Avoiding these foods would be a poor choice considering the many health benefits they provide but eating in moderation and rinsing or brushing after eating will certainly decrease the chances of poor dental health. Of course, regular trips to your local dental clinic should ensure that your dentist can spot any real trouble before it gets started but a healthy balanced diet combined with a sensible daily dental routine should keep those toothaches away.