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Six foods to avoid for healthy teeth


We all know that sugar is not a friend to your teeth.

six foods avoid healthy teeth

Lollies, chocolate and sugary soft drinks are top of the list of things to avoid when it comes to minimising the risk of cavities.

But many people are unaware of the numerous hidden sugars found in other foods and drinks. This is why diet assessment and modification are an important part of the comprehensive treatment we offer at Smile Solutions.

Dr Peter Alldritt, chair of the Australian Dental Association’s oral health committee, shares six foods and beverages that should be avoided or consumed in moderation to avoid wreaking havoc with your pearly whites.

Diet soft drinks: While many diet soft drinks contain no sugar to cause tooth decay, like regular soft drinks and even fruit juice, they still have high acid levels that can erode tooth enamel. This can lead to exposure of the inner tooth layer, causing pain and sensitivity, and it can also cause cavities.

Potato chips: They might start out crunchy but once chewed, they turn into a soft mess that can lodge and linger in the tiniest crevices on and between your teeth. What’s more, while we think of them as savoury, most chips are actually quite high in sugar, which means their tendency to stick around on your teeth is even more of a problem.

Ice: While sucking on ice is fine, biting them is not. Ice is so hard that biting it can easily chip off enamel or crack your teeth.

Dried fruit: While fresh fruit is packed with vitamins and other nutrients, when you suck the moisture out of it you’re left with a sticky product made up of concentrated sugar entwined with bits of fibre that make it stick to the surface of your teeth.

Sports drinks: Sports and energy drinks are highly acidic and many are also high in sugar. An acid attack that can erode the enamel on your teeth generally lasts for around 20 minutes.

Wine: Wine contains erosive acid, which can soften the protective hard enamel on teeth. This acid can also leave teeth more vulnerable to staining, which can be a problem for those who enjoy red wine. It’s worth noting that heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancer.

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