Foods That ACTUALLY Can Hurt Your Teeth

Did you know that there are some foods that can actually hurt your teeth? Some of these foods may even be things that you did not know could affect your teeth and others may be things that you already eat day in and out.

Your oral health is important and poor oral health can mean infections, tooth decay, and other problems with your overall health too. When they say that “you are what you eat,” they mean it.

We all already know from our dental provider or dental assistant that we should avoid foods that are high in sugars, hard or chewy, and starchy. But, what about regular foods we eat on a daily basis – what could be harming our teeth?

Let’s look. But before we do, if you’re interested in becoming a dental assistant, consider enrolling in UEI College’s Dental Assistant Training Program. The program can be completed, and you can earn your diploma in as little as 10 months!

DRIED FRUITS

So, you have been told to eat your fruits and vegetables and you finally settle on some fried fruit. Now, you are getting your daily recommended fruit intake and the vitamins and nutrients that come along with it.

But, wait! Dried fruits are actually bad for your teeth. Why? Because they tend to be sticky and they contain a lot of sugar. Once you chew the fruit, it tends to stick to your teeth, and this can lead to cavities and decay.

CRACKERS

The good ole crackers. They are delicious and go with anything. You can eat them with peanut butter on them, put them in soup, or even top your casserole with them, but did you know they are bad for your teeth?

While crackers are not high in sugar content, they are high in carbs and when you chew the cracker, it becomes stuck in your teeth. Bacteria loves to feed on carbs, and this can lead to tooth decay.

VINEGAR

Vinegar is an essential ingredient in many foods from pickles to salad dressings. While it does taste good and adds a nice element to any dish, it can affect your teeth. In fact, people who consume vinegar rich products often experience enamel erosion.

If you are hooked on vinegar, you do not have to stop using it. Simply rinse your mouth out with water when you are done eating.

ICE

Ice cools you off in the summer and there is nothing quite like sucking on some while you are by the pool. Sucking on ice is okay but chewing on ice is NOT recommended.

In fact, chewing on ice can lead to dental emergencies such as a broken tooth, cracked enamel, or a loose crown. To enjoy ice, remember, suck on it – don’t chew.

CITRUS FRUIT

Vitamin C is needed for our bodies to remain healthy, but citrus fruits may not be the best choice to receive your vitamin C when it comes to your teeth. The acid content in grapefruits, oranges, and lemons can eat away at your teeth’s enamel and cause your teeth to decay over time.

Also, the acid in the fruit can cause any sores in your mouth to be painful. If you do want to enjoy some citrus fruit, eat it in moderation and remember to rinse your mouth out when done.

BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT TODAY

As you can see, many common foods that you consume every day appear on this list. While some foods are touted as healthy, they can actually cause damage to your teeth. Of course, you do not have to avoid these foods at all costs, but you should remember to rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth after consuming them. 

If you have a passion to help people and educate them about their teeth, UEI College offers a dental assistant program at all of their campus locations. This program provides you with the hands-on skills and training you need to care for dental patients.

Our program can be completed in as few as 10 months and you will complete a 170-hour externship at the end of the program as well.

If you would like to discuss enrollment, please reach out to one of our program advisors today!