Don't eat that!
Fact: Nobody looks forward to her biannual rendezvous at the dentist’s. But the discomfort from the poking and scraping of routine cleanings is nothing compared to the pain (not to mention the expense) of more intensive procedures, like fillings and root canals. So wouldn't it be nice to seriously lower your chances of needing dental work with some strategic eating?
“There are plenty of foods that people should be avoiding if they want to keep their teeth in good shape,” says Guillaume Lepine, DDS, a Massachusetts-based dentist. We polled some of the top oral hygiene experts in the country to find out what’s not in their kitchen—and how they prevent food-related tooth damage whenever naughty nibbles do manage to make it past their lips.
Soda (even diet)
Your favorite sugary soda is a total smile saboteur. “Most contain an acid that can weaken tooth enamel—even diet soda,” explains John F. Buzzatto, DMD, MDS, president of the American Association of Orthodontists. If you must indulge, drink through a straw to limit soda’s contact with your teeth.
Apples
Already struggling with weak teeth? Skip crunchy fruits and veggies, which can further crack or damage fragile chompers. Apples and carrots are actually two of the biggest culprits of cracked teeth, Dr. Buzzatto notes. But don’t skip these healthy treats altogether: “Cut them into bite-size pieces before you enjoy them,” he recommends.
Hard candy
Savoring a sweet sucker might seem innocent enough, but not so fast. “Sucking these candies exposes your mouth to harsh sugars for longer periods of time,” Dr. Lepine says. “And chewing on them can break or crack teeth, fillings, and sealants.”
Ice
Sure, ice is sugar-free—but if you tend to chew on the cubes once you’ve finished a beverage, they can cause major damage. Dental experts say nibbling on ice is a major no-no as it can easily crack or break teeth.
Corn on the cob
Sadly, this summertime favorite is off-limits if you want your teeth to stay in one piece. Biting into corn that's on the cob can loosen or crack fillings and sealants, and damage orthodontic wires and brackets among patients with braces, Dr. Buzzatto says. And when it comes to dentures, chomping down on corn on the cob can easily dislodge the dentures. Instead of skipping corn altogether, though, simply scrape it off the cob before consuming.
Pasta sauce
Tooth enamel is particularly vulnerable to dark colors, including red pasta sauce—porous enamel can easily absorb this coloring, leading to unsightly stains. Plus, the acidity from tomatoes makes teeth temporarily more porous. But instead of laying off the sauce, solve the problem by swishing with plenty of water while you’re enjoying an Italian repast.
White wine
Sorry chardonnay fans. While the deep color of red wine can cause discoloration, white wine might actually trigger even more damage. "The acidity in wine makes teeth more susceptible to stains, and white wine is generally more acidic," says Irwin Smigel, DDS, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. "This acid can leave teeth vulnerable to stains from darkly colored food."
Bottled water
Convinced bottled water is better than tap? Not where your teeth are concerned. “The problem is during the purification process, water become more acidic," explains Brett Silverman, DDS, a Georgia-based dentist. "Acid and teeth equals cavities."
Breath mints
Your teeth might feel cleaner after you pop a mint, but the real story: “Sucking on breath mints all day is like soaking your teeth in sugar,” warns Bill Dorfman, DDS, author of Billion Dollar Smile. Go sugar-free, and opt for mints sweetened with xylitol, which appears to combat bacteria associated with tooth decay.
Chewy candies
That dentists avoid taffy and caramels like the plague isn’t exactly surprising. “Sticky candies get stuck between braces and teeth, allowing plaque to build up,” Dr. Lepine says. Plus, a chewy candy in the wrong place at the wrong time can easily take a tooth out. But here’s the good news: If you need a sugar hit, dark chocolate is soft on teeth and may combat plaque, according to recent research.
PB&J
Noshing a pb&j is reminiscent of childhood, but it’s a surefire way to prematurely age your teeth. The high sugar content of all three ingredients means that as soon as you bite in, enamel-eroding bacteria go on a feeding frenzy. And because peanut butter and jelly are both sticky, they allow the bacteria to adhere to your teeth.
Potato chips
They taste light as air, but the texture of potato chips (crunchy at first, then gummy post-chewing) means they tend to linger in your mouth. When chip particles get stuck between teeth, acid-producing bacteria indulge in a snacking attack that ups your risk of tooth decay. And since we tend to nosh on chips over a long period (hey, no one can eat just one), that means a non-stop period of acid production.
Lemonade
So much for a refreshing glass of lemonade on the beach—the citric acid in lemons can wreak havoc on teeth. “Lemonade is a destructive combination of acid and sugar that leads to tooth decay and cavities,” Dr. Lepine says. “Even adding lemon slices to water can be a danger, because of the acidity it adds.”
Popcorn
Your favorite cinema snack is a double-pronged danger: Much like potato chips, popcorn can wedge between teeth and foster bacterial growth. Un-popped kernels are even worse. “When it gets to the bottom of the bag, people don’t realize that biting on kernels can break your teeth,” Dr. Dorfman says.
Dried fruit
Items like raisins, figs, and dried apricots are bursting with nutrition. Unfortunately, they’re also packed with a dense dose of sugar and non-soluble cellulose fiber, which can bind and trap those sugars around the tooth to the same extent as saltwater taffy. Your best bet? Sticking with the fresh version as much as possible.
White bread
Here’s another good reason to avoid refined carbohydrates, like white sandwich bread: The simple sugars quickly dissolve inside the mouth, causing a surge of acid that can erode tooth enamel. Plus, white bread takes on a gummy consistency when chewed, meaning small particles can get trapped between teeth.
Sports drinks
A nutritious pick-me-up after your morning workout? Not quite. Sports drinks are packed with sugar and acids, Dr. Silverman says. And because we tend to swish sports drinks around in our mouths, the potential for cavities and erosion is even more significant.
Cough drops
They might soothe your symptoms, but many cough drops have as much sugar as hard candy, experts warn. And because you suck on them for several minutes, and tend to pop them all day long when you have a cold, dental damage can be hefty. Skip the drops in favor of soothing your throat with herbal tea and water, or opt for sugar-free drops if necessary.
Citrus fruits
From grapefruits to oranges, citrus boasts a bevy of nutrients. But they’re also packed with acids that can strip your teeth, says Dr. Lepine. Drink water when you enjoy a citrus snack, and swap in essential oils—which have less acidity—instead of the real thing when you flavor your water, he suggests.
Vinegar
Vinegar is in a variety of foods, including salad dressings, pickles, and other sauces. But this flavorful ingredient can also trigger tooth decay: In one recent study, teens who ate vinegar-heavy foods had a 30 to 85% increased risk of enamel erosion. Lettuce actually appears to combat the damaging effects of vinegar—so keep enjoying your favorite balsamic vinaigrette on your salad without worry.
Cocktails
You know that a sugar-filled margarita isn’t doing your waistline any favors, but what about your teeth? Much like fruit juice, sugar-heavy cocktails can lead to cavities. Plus, alcohol actually dries out the mouth—eliminating any protective benefit from saliva. If you’re going to indulge, opt for sugar-free mixers like soda water.
Curries
Any heavily pigmented food, like blueberries, beets, or soy sauce, can lead to tooth discoloration. But curry powder is a surprising culprit: It isn’t particularly dark, but that deep pigment can stain teeth yellow over time, says Michael Paesani, DMD, a Virginia-based dentist. Enjoy your next chickpea curry with a glass of water to prevent the problem.
Black tea
It’s a better option than coffee, which is notorious for its potential to stain teeth. But the tannins in tea can cause stains—and one recent study found that darker teas (Earl Gray, English Breakfast) are significantly more likely to do damage. Opt for green or herbal varieties instead.
Canned fruit
Nature’s candy is already sweet enough—but food manufacturers often stuff canned fruit with a ton of extra sugar. Citrus fruits packed in heavy syrup are the worst culprits, because they combine acids with a ton of cavity-causing sugar. Pick canned fruit in its own juices, or go with frozen varieties instead.
Toasted bread
While everyone loves a piece of toast in the morning, biting into hardened toast can lead to broken teeth,
15 Ways to Wreck Your Teeth
Teeth are tough -- their enamel is the hardest part of the body -- but they're no match for neglect, misuse, or abuse. Here are some surefire ways to find out how vulnerable your teeth are -- trust us, you don't want to do this:
1. Don’t Brush After Every Meal.
The ideal is to brush your teeth three times a day: after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But if you do it too soon, you can scrub away tooth enamel that becomes softer in the acidic environment created in your mouth when you eat.
“Make sure you wait 30 to 60 minutes after each meal, which gives the acidity time to neutralize and the teeth time to remineralize," says Debra Gray King, DDS, FAACD, of the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.
Brushing too much, too hard, or with a hard-bristle brush can also erode your enamel. Brush gently, using circular strokes and a soft brush.
2. Forget About Flossing.
Flossing stimulates gum health by cleaning between the teeth and under the gum line. Gums bleed when you brush vigorously? That’s a sign of mild gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, which can lead to tooth loss.
“You need to brush and floss your teeth every time you eat,” says Jeffrey Gross DDS, FAGD, a Cleveland dentist. “The longer food stays in contact with the teeth and the gums, the easier it is to create problems.”
3. Skip checkups.
Dentists recommend every six months, but most patients fail to comply. This allows plaque to form tartar, which attracts more plaque on its surface, carrying the plaque deeper within the gums. This can weaken supporting structures, such as bone.
“The sooner you find issues, the easier and a lot less expensive they will be to address,” King says.
4. Use Your Teeth as Tools.
Chomping ice and hard candy, not to mention popping off bottle caps and ripping open potato chip bags, can crack or break your teeth.
“People tend to do some wild things with their teeth,” King says. She recalls a patient in her 50s who habitually gripped the ropes of her sailboat’s mast between her teeth.
Over time, the woman’s natural teeth had worn to the point she needed porcelain veneers. Find a bottle opener or pair of scissors. And if you’re sailing, use your hands.
5. Ditch the Mouthguard.
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recommends mouthguards for many athletes.
“Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating, and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing,” the AGD’s web site states.
6. Grind Away.
Some people clench or grind their teeth when bored, lifting something heavy or stressed; others do it while they sleep. Tooth-to-tooth clenching can wear down teeth and “make you look 10 to 20 years older,” King says.
Grinding also paves the way for cavities. “Aside from causing pressure and fractures, grinding wears away the top layer of enamel and the lower levels of enamel beyond the dentin, which can lead to decay,” Gross says. Can’t stop? Get fitted for a mouthguard.
7. Guzzle Soda, Sports Drinks, and Fruit Juices.
Soda and sports drinks often have either too much sugar or, in the case of diet soda, too much acid. Fruit juices often contain sugar but compared to soda and sports drinks, are “a healthier choice” and water is even better yet, Gross says.
8. Drink Lots of Red Wine, Coffee, or Tea.
The surface of stained teeth is like sandpaper and attracts more bacteria, which can indirectly lead to tooth decay.
As wine editor for Dish magazine, Yvonne Lorkin of Christchurch, New Zealand, tastes thousands of wines each year. At 37, she spends more on dental upkeep than people twice her age.
“The constant onslaught of acid on my enamel is an occupational hazard, I guess, as we're swilling the wines around in our mouths rather than just swallowing,” Lorkin tells WebMD in an email interview.
Aside from cutting back, Gross recommends using a straw, when possible, so staining liquids bypass your teeth.
9. Whiten Too Often.
Chronic whitening or failing to follow instructions can lead to gum irritation and increased tooth sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpaste can help.
If you have very sensitive teeth, gum disease, or worn enamel, “your dentist may discourage whitening,” says Charles H. Perle, DMD, FAGD, a dentist in Jersey City, N.J. and a spokesman for the AGD. Check before starting any whitening treatment.
10. Drink Bottled Water.
Most bottled water has little or no fluoride and most home filtration systems filter much of it out. Stick with fluoridated tap water since it’s “the most cost-effective way to prevent cavities and fight tooth decay,” Perle says. If your water isn’t fluoridated, your dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
11. Get Your Tongue Pierced.
When you speak, your tongue moves to make certain sounds and consequently “you’re jamming the metal piercing into your teeth,” Gross says. Fractured teeth may require veneers or crowns in a patient who otherwise doesn’t have other issues.
Jason Lazarus, CEO of Gadgets and Gear in Hauppauge, N.Y., got his tongue pierced and admits he played with it “all the time.” Lazarus says he was shocked when X-rays showed his front teeth “dramatically shaved and chipped” and immediately took his tongue ring out.
“I didn’t want my teeth to get worse,” Lazarus says. He has since spent $2,000 on laminates for his two front upper teeth.
12. Be Bulimic.
Bulimia, which is characterized by bingeing and vomiting, can cause significant dental problems because of the stomach acids.
“The enamel is usually just kind of worn off, mostly on the front teeth, but even going to the back teeth,” King says. If the damage is done, you may need restorations.
13. Abuse Drugs Such as “Meth."
Crystal methamphetamine, an illegal and highly addictive stimulant, can wreak havoc on your mouth. Users often crave sugary foods and drinks, clench their teeth, and have dry mouth. Telltale signs of “methmouth” are rampant decay with blackened teeth on the verge of falling out.
“People on methamphetamines are notorious for not taking care of themselves,” Gross says. “By the time the patient is 25 or 30, they are looking at a full set of dentures.”
14. Chronically Use Some Legal Medications.
Oral contraceptives change a woman’s hormonal balance and can lead to chronic gum disease.
“Once they get off the medication, the damage is often done,” Gross says. Some over-the-counter cough medications have lots of sugar, and antihistamines can cause dry mouth, which can lead to decay since saliva protects the teeth.
15. Continue Lighting Up.
Smoking is bad for teeth and gums. Stains make teeth more susceptible to bacteria. It’s also a factor in the development of periodontal or gum and bone disease.
“The smoke impedes the ability of the gum tissue to maintain a healthy state and fight off disease-creating bacteria,” Gross says. “Almost half of the people who are over 60 who wear dentures are smokers.”
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