Everyone knows that sugar and candy are bad for your teeth, but there are many other foods that can do just as much damage.
In fact, some everyday foods and drinks can even dissolve your teeth! Here are 30 of the most surprising teeth killers to watch out for:.
Acidic Fruits
Fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges contain high amounts of acid that can erode your tooth enamel over time.
Carbonated Drinks
Sodas, sparkling waters, and other carbonated beverages are full of acid that can wear away your teeth. The bubbles in these drinks also increase the erosion process.
Citrus Juices
While juice from citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits may be high in vitamin C, they can wreak havoc on your teeth due to their acidic content.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are both highly acidic and can stain your teeth as well as dissolve them over time if consumed in large amounts.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits like raisins and apricots are often sticky and can get stuck in your teeth, which can lead to decay. They are also high in sugar, which can further damage your teeth.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are highly acidic and contain high amounts of sugar, both of which can dissolve your teeth and cause damage to your dental health.
Fruit Chews and Gummies
Like dried fruits, fruit chews and gummies are often sticky and high in sugar. They can easily get stuck in your teeth and cause decay over time.
Fruit Punch and Sugary Beverages
Fruit punch and other sugary beverages often contain high amounts of sugar that can dissolve your teeth and lead to cavities and decay.
Hard Candies
Hard candies can be particularly harmful to your teeth due to their high sugar content and long-lasting nature. They can dissolve slowly in your mouth and cause damage over time.
Ice
Chewing on ice can be damaging to your teeth, as it can crack your enamel and cause you to chip or break a tooth.
Jelly Beans
Jelly beans are a sticky and sugary treat that can easily get stuck in your teeth and cause decay over time.
Ketchup
Ketchup and other condiments like barbecue sauce and mayonnaise are often high in sugar and vinegar, both of which can erode your tooth enamel and cause damage to your teeth.
Lemonade
Lemonade is another drink that seems innocent but can be highly acidic and damaging to your teeth over time.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is often used as a sweetener, but it is also highly acidic and can dissolve your tooth enamel with regular consumption.
Marshmallows
Marshmallows are often high in sugar and can easily get stuck in your teeth, leading to decay and other dental problems.
Molasses
Molasses is a substitute for sugar, but it is also highly acidic and can dissolve your tooth enamel over time.
Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is an especially acidic soda that can dissolve your tooth enamel and cause damage to your teeth if consumed in large amounts.
Nuts
Nuts are often tough and require a lot of chewing, which can cause damage to your teeth over time if you are not careful.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is another fruit juice that is high in acidity and can cause damage to your teeth over time.
Pickles
Pickles are often high in vinegar, which can erode your tooth enamel over time with regular consumption.
Popcorn
Popcorn kernels can easily get stuck in your teeth and cause damage over time. Be especially careful with unpopped kernels!.
Potato Chips
Like popcorn, potato chips can easily get stuck in your teeth and cause damage over time. They are also often high in salt and can lead to dehydration, which can further harm your teeth.
Sour Candy
Sour candy is especially bad for your teeth due to its high acid content and sticky texture. It can dissolve your teeth and cause damage over time.
Sports Drinks
Like energy drinks, sports drinks are often highly acidic and contain high amounts of sugar, which can dissolve your teeth and lead to decay over time with regular consumption.
Sweetened Cereal
Sweetened cereal is often high in sugar and can stick to your teeth, leading to decay and other dental problems.
Syrups
Syrups like chocolate, caramel, and maple are often used as a topping for desserts and can be highly acidic and damaging to your teeth.
Vinegar
Vinegar is highly acidic and can quickly erode your tooth enamel with regular consumption.
Wine
Both red and white wine are highly acidic and can cause damage to your teeth with regular consumption. They can also stain your teeth over time.
By avoiding or limiting your consumption of these teeth killers, you can help protect your dental health and keep your pearly whites shining bright!.