Maintaining healthy teeth is not just about brushing twice a day. What you eat and drink every day also has a big influence on the strength and durability of your teeth.

Some foods and drinks that seem harmless can actually become one of the causes of tooth decay, speeding up plaque buildup, cavities, and erosion of the tooth enamel.

To keep your teeth strong and your smile well maintained, it is important to know which foods that cause tooth decay should be restricted or avoided.

Why Does Plaque Damage Teeth?

Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth after you eat, especially after consuming sweet or high-carbohydrate foods. Bacteria in plaque turn sugar into acids that can damage the outer protective layer of the teeth (enamel).

If it is not cleaned properly, plaque can harden into tartar and lead to various problems, such as symptoms of toothache, swollen gums, cavities (caries), and even serious infections like dental abscesses.

Foods That Can Potentially Damage Teeth

Gummy Candy

Gummy candy has a tangy taste and chewy texture that many children like. However, this type of candy can be very harmful to teeth.

Its acid content can weaken enamel, while the sticky texture makes sugar cling easily between the teeth and difficult to remove. As a result, bacteria have more time to produce acid that damages the teeth.

As a better alternative, choose chocolate bars that melt quickly in the mouth and do not stay stuck on the teeth for too long.

White Bread

White bread may look like a safe choice, but it can actually be bad for dental health. The refined flour in it turns into a sticky paste when chewed and then gets lodged between the teeth. The carbohydrates in this bread are broken down into sugar by saliva, which then becomes a food source for plaque-forming bacteria.

For a healthier option, try whole wheat bread. This type of bread generally contains less sugar and does not stick to the teeth as easily.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol can cause a dry mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva plays an important role in rinsing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and helping repair minor enamel damage. If saliva production drops, the risk of cavities and infections in the mouth increases.

Carbonated Drinks

Both sugary and diet sodas can harm the teeth. The phosphoric and citric acids they contain are able to erode tooth enamel. In addition, these drinks can contribute to dry mouth, which reduces the natural protection provided by saliva.

Ice Cubes

Even though they are made only from water, chewing on ice cubes can still be harmful for the teeth. The very hard texture can crack enamel and may even damage crowns or fillings that are already in place.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C, but they are also quite acidic. This acid can slowly erode tooth enamel if these fruits are eaten too often. To lower the risk, it is better to eat citrus fruits together with other foods or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.

Potato Chips

Potato chips contain a lot of starch, which is broken down by saliva into sugar. The crumbs also easily get trapped between the teeth, providing a long-lasting food source for plaque-causing bacteria.

Dried Fruits

Although they are often seen as a healthy snack, raisins, apricots, dates and other dried fruits are high in sugar and have a very sticky consistency. Sugar from these fruits can easily cling to the tooth surface and is difficult to remove by rinsing alone.

You do not need to avoid dried fruits completely, but it is best to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth soon after eating them so that the remaining sugar does not damage your enamel.

Maintaining dental health is not only about brushing twice a day or visiting the dentist regularly. What you eat every day also plays a major role in protecting the strength and long-term health of your teeth.

If you have further questions about dental health, you can consult a doctor or use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, which is available on the App Store and Play Store.

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