Dr. Margarida Laub, DMD   |   205 West 1st Avenue, Coal Valley, IL 61240

Email:  drlaubvalleydentalcenter@gmail.com   |   Phone:  309-799-3000

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Candy canes, oranges, coffe, tea, and wine - and all those special holiday "treats" can do damage to your teeth! The following list are the top 10 foods that are the most damaging to your teeth and suggestions for what to do to take care of your teeth and mouth. Basically, to brush after eating any of these foods.

Sports Drinks – Sugar is a top ingredient in many sports and energy drinks. While sports drinks can be helpful for quenching your thirst, athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous physical activities are better advised to drink water. Before your next activity break, check the label to make sure your power drink of choice is low in sugar. Not sure? Drink water instead!

White Bread – Yes, white bread. As you chew the enzymes in your saliva break down the starches the bread, which convert to sugar almost instantly. As you continue chewing, bread and other starches like pasta, it is transformed into sweet, soft paste that sticks to and in between teeth, providing a feast for cavity-causing bacteria.

Hard Candy – Like ice, hard candies (i.e. peanut brittle) can damage teeth. If you have a “sweet tooth” the constant exposure to the various types of sugars in hard candies can harm your teeth. You may also be exposed to the risk for a broken or chipped tooth.

Ice – Surprised? Actually chewing on any hard substances can lead to accidental tooth damage and possibly damage to your dental enamel. Better to enjoy water in its liquid form.

Citric Fruits and Juices – The general notion is that fruit juices are “good for you” but there is a growing awareness of the damaging effects of acid erosion on teeth. Frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So a simple squeeze of a lemon or lime in your glass of water, is not always the best choice for your teeth or mouth. Citric fruits and juices can also irritate mouth sores.

Coffee and Tea – In their natural form, coffee and tea can be healthy drink choices. Unfortunately, adding sugar or artificial sweeteners take a toll on teeth. Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out your mouth, and can stain your teeth.

Sticky Snacks – Sticky Foods (i.e. toffee) are your mouth’s worst nightmare. Many people eat dried fruits and foods as their healthy alternate snack. However, many dried fruits and foods are sticky, and they can damage your teeth staying on your teeth longer than other types of foods. If you do eat dried fruits or trail mix be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating with water and brush and floss your teeth.

Crunchy Foods – Who doesn’t love the nice, satisfying crunch of a potato chip or crispy multigrain cracker? Unfortunately potato chips are filled with starch, and they tend to get trapped in and between your teeth. If you choose snacks like these, take extra care flossing to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.

Sodas – Most soft drinks, including the diet sodas are acidic and loaded with sugar and therefore, bad for your teeth. Plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your tooth enamel. These drinks also dry your mouth out. Best to steer clear of soda or limit the amount you consume.

Alcohol – Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. People who drink excessively may find their saliva flow is reduced over time, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections such as gum disease. Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for mouth cancer.