-
- ICE – Chewing on ice can weaken our enamel and become more susceptible to cavities. Bet you didn’t think of that one, and it’s proven according to CDA (Canadian Dental Association) so cut the habit!
- Lemon Water or anything Citrus-y – Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, mango, pineapple etc. Acidity on a constant basis will weaken our enamel. So limit these fruits but since they are so good for you in other ways eat in moderation.
- Tea, Coffee, Wine, sports drinks – Here’s the thing, these drinks will stain your teeth, and guess what? They are also acidic. When it comes to wine, tea or coffee with sugar, the combo of acidity + sugar = cavities. Limiting your alcohol intake all together is the wisest choice when it comes to oral health because Alcohol has been proven to promote oral cancers. That’s why they took it out of Listerine!
- Sticky Foods – Trail mix, dried fruit, gummies, jujubes etc.… you get the picture. These sugary items stick to our teeth (without knowing – you think you got it all out) and promote cavities.
- Things that go “crunch” –Think chips, crackers, etc. When we chew these foods tiny particles tend to stay and sit in the crevices of our teeth. Because carbohydrate = sugar, then sugar = cavities.
- SODA – Here`s the BIG one. The BIG no no actually. People who consume even the diet free or sugar free sodas more than once a day are 62% more likely to have dental decay according to the ADA. Just remember if you sip all day, you get decay.
Truth is everyone eats/drinks these foods, most likely you wont be able to fully avoid them. but limit them in moderation especially if you are prone to dental caries. For more clarification, you can consult with our Oral Surgeon in North Vancouver.
Written by: Brittany Burkett, CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) to Dr. S. Keshmiri.