What are the Foods that Damage Teeth Enamel?
1. Energy Drinks
Many individuals use energy drinks for a quick boost of wakefulness and energy during the day. Unfortunately, energy drinks are one of the worst drinks you can consume if you want to protect your enamel. This is because they are highly acidic and often contain a lot of sugar. The acid erodes your enamel while the sugar causes the bacteria population in your mouth to explode. We recommend avoiding energy drinks in favor of making sure you get enough sleep at night.
2. Sports Drinks
Like sodas, sports drinks also contain a lot of acid. Not to mention, some of them can be loaded with sugar. This combination is extremely damaging to your enamel. Most sports drinkers need the extra electrolytes and vitamins and minerals that are in the drinks. However, unless you are an athlete or participate in high endurance sports, you should try to limit the amount of sports drinks you consume.
3. Diet and Regular Sodas
Do you drink a lot of carbonated beverages, like Regular and Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite or Pepsi? If you do, you might know these drinks are highly acidic. The acid content in these drinks can erode the enamel on your teeth over time. In order to prevent tooth enamel erosion from soda, it’s best to avoid them, but the occasional carbonated beverage can be consumed. Just don’t drink them every day.
4. Fruit Juices and Citrus Fruits
Are you a fan of a big glass of orange juice in the morning with half a grapefruit in order to start your day with a healthy dose of vitamin C as well as other vitamins and minerals? While fruit juices and citrus fruits contain a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they also contain a lot of citric acids. Not to mention, fruit juices often have sugar added to them in order to improve the taste. Both of these items can wreak havoc on your tooth’s enamel, causing it to slowly wear away. While you shouldn’t completely avoid citrus fruits, it’s important to limit your consumption. Our dentist in Melbourne, FL recommends eating these fruits seasonally in order to preserve your enamel.
5. Vinegar Products
Do you love pickled foods, vinegar and oil-based salad dressings, sweet and sour sauce, and even vinegar and salt potato chips? Vinegar is an incredibly common condiment and ingredient. However, it’s also acidic. If you consume enough vinegar, it can wear away the enamel on your teeth. In order to maintain your tooth enamel and prevent cavities, you may want to consider limiting your consumption of vinegar and vinegar-containing foods.
6. Tomatoes and Tomato Containing Foods
Tomatoes, tomato sauce, red pasta sauces, ketchup, and even certain hot sauces are extremely acidic and bad for your tooth enamel. While our dentist at Artistic Touch Dentistry doesn’t recommend completely eliminating tomatoes and tomato-based foods from your diet due to the vitamins and minerals, it’s important not to eat these foods at every meal. Instead, try to limit your consumption and broaden your diet to include foods that are less acidic.