The more often you eat, and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more potential damage to your teeth can occur. Some foods, in particular, are more likely to cause oral health problems than others. Therefore, practice moderation if and when you consume the following foods:
Carbohydrates: Refined carbohydrate-laden foods (chips, bread, pasta, crackers, etc.) can be as harsh on your teeth as candy. Bacteria feed on leftover food particles in the mouth and produce acid, which causes decay.
Chewy, sticky foods: Raisins, granola bars, jellybeans, caramel, honey and syrup stick to teeth, making it hard for saliva to wash away their sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
Sugary snacks: Snacks like cookies, cakes or other sweet treats contain a high amount of cavity-causing sugar.
Candy and gum: Eating candy and chewing regular sugar sweetened gum are harmful to your teeth. As you eat, sugar coats your teeth, which can lead to cavities.
Carbonated soft drinks: Regular soda, or pop, contains a high amount of sugar. Both regular and diet sodas also contain phosphorous and carbonation that wear away tooth enamel.
Fruit and vegetable juices: Fruit and vegetable juices tend to be high in sugar and can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.
Sports drinks: Most sports drinks have pH levels comparable to carbonated soft drinks, which cause dental erosion. The pH (potential of hydrogen) level is a standard measure for acidity. On a scale of 0 to 14, the lower the pH of a solution, the more acidic it is; the higher the pH, the more non-acidic (alkaline). A low pH level in the mouth contributes to dental erosion.
Acidic foods and beverages: Acids, which can cause dental erosion, are found in numerous foods and drinks. These acids include:
* Phosphoric acid, which is found in soft drinks * Citric and malic acids, which are found in fruits such as lemons and fruit products * Lactic acid, which can be found in fermented products, such as yogurt * Tartaric acid, which is found in grapes and wines