8 Innocent Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth

Not everyone realizes, but the foods we eat are closely linked to our oral health. You may have heard, for example, that soda and candy are bad for your teeth. But is this really true?

William Frossard, dentist specializing in Aesthetic Dentistry, Doctor of Periodontics, Master of Dentistry, Specialist in Prosthodontics, states that foods such as chocolates, soft drinks, snack foods, among others, can even be harmful to teeth.

"But the most important thing is to properly eat these foods and do oral hygiene right after they are eaten so they don't stay in contact with the tooth?" What can cause an increase in the number of bacteria present ?, highlights the dentist.

What few people know, though, is that there are other seemingly innocent foods. which may also, in one form or another, be harmful to teeth. This is what you see in the list below.

1. Citrus fruits

Frossard explains that when consumed too much, citrus fruits can be harmful to teeth. "This is because they are usually very acidic and can cause acid erosion in the teeth (damaging the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel), causing irreversible wear and, besides, facilitating the appearance of caries," he says.

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On the other hand, the expert points out, moderate consumption can be beneficial. "Because these fruits promote greater production of saliva, helping self-cleaning teeth," he explains.

The dentist also gives an important tip: After eating fruits or citrus juices, have a glass of water. Wait twenty minutes, and brush your teeth, as brushing them after consumption of citrus can contribute to enamel wear.

It is worth mentioning: it is not necessary to exclude the consumption of citrus fruits, but rather not to overeat them.

2. Canned Food

Pickled foods, such as pickles, as well as citrus fruits, can damage your teeth. "That's because they are also highly acidic due to the vinegar that is put to preserve them," explains Frossard.

The dentist emphasizes, however, that the problem will only occur if this type of food is consumed in excess.

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A tip to avoid eating canned foods is to opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible.

3. Dried Fruits

Frossard explains that dried fruits can be somewhat harmful to teeth. "Because they are devoid of water, they end up with a greater ability to stick to the tooth surface, facilitating the proliferation process of caries bacteria." This is if the teeth are not brushed immediately after consumption? besides having a high sugar content ?, he says.

So the tip is to brush your teeth right after consuming this type of food and also do not overdo it.

4. Coffee with sugar

Frossard explains that coffee pigments can cause an extrinsic darkening of the tooth, but do not harm it. These pigments can be easily removed with in-office prophylaxis and, if necessary, spot bleaching can be performed. Importantly, the sugar added to coffee, this yes, can be the big villain !?, he points out.

So the tip is: avoid as much as possible to sweeten the coffee. And also don't overdo the drink (to prevent teeth from darkening).

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5. Chewing Gum

The consumption of chewing gum (which has sugar) is harmful to teeth, according to Frossard. "That's because, because they are high in sugar, they can facilitate the appearance of tooth decay," he says.

Sugar-free chewing gum can be beneficial for oral health, provided it is consumed in moderation, according to the expert. • The process of chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps to neutralize the acids produced after eating certain foods. In addition, saliva also acts on the mechanism of teeth remineralization ?, explains.

So always opt for sugar-free gum when you feel like it! But consume them in moderation.

6. Tomato Sauces

Frossard points out that if eaten too much, tomato sauces can be harmful to teeth. Is this because tomato sauces, besides having many dark colors, are acidic? What can lead to erosion in enamel and dental darkening ?, he explains.

Preferably to make a fresh tomato sauce whenever possible at home. And when consuming ready-made sauces, use them sparingly.

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7. Wine

Frossard points out that wines are not harmful to teeth? that is, if consumed moderately. And they are even good for your health.

But, the dentist explains, the colorants in wine tend to stick together. in bacterial plaque. Therefore, clean teeth are better protected.

? During a long night watered with wine, do not forget the water to accompany. If it is carbonated, even better, as carbonation will further help protect your teeth. But the important thing is not to keep your mouth dry, he says.

The expert also points out that after a few glasses of wine, saliva is sometimes tinted, the color of wine. "Before brushing them, it is important to rinse the mouth first, to reduce the acids present in the oral cavity, which can damage the tooth enamel during brushing," he advises.

8. Teas

Just like coffee and wine, explains Frossard, tea? for having coloring substances? Can pigment the surface of the tooth enamel. "The risk increases if they have any irregularities, because small particles can be trapped and become spots," he says.

According to the dentist, it is important to note that added sugar can be more harmful (harmful) than the stains that tea can cause.

Another aspect is the temperature. The tooth always reacts to hot as well as cold. And as a reaction, it increases the dentin layer that is essentially yellowish. Therefore, a large amount of coffee and tea, as well as very hot or very cold drinks, can make your teeth more yellow ?, highlights the expert.

For all that, the tip is not to overdo it (even if the tea is taken without sugar)!

9. Almonds

Frossard points out that almonds do not harm the teeth. But because they are so rigid, they can cause fractures in them.

"But it is important to note that this does not occur if the tooth is completely healthy," adds the dentist.

"To reduce the risk of this kind of problem, choose to slice them before eating them", advises the expert.

4 types of teeth beneficial foods

Unlike some foods that can be harmful to your teeth in one way or another, there are others that are known to "do well". to the health of the mouth.

William Frossard highlights the following types of foods as good options to ensure a healthy mouth:

1. Fruits (such as strawberry, apple etc.);
2. Vegetables (such as cucumber, etc.);
3. Milk derivatives (such as yogurt and cheese);
4. Fish (like salmon).

It is noteworthy that you do not have to completely exclude any food from your diet for fear that it may harm your teeth. The keyword is moderation.

To keep your mouth always healthy, be sure to brush your teeth after eating and regularly visit a dentist.

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