'Healthy' Foods That Are Hurting Your Teeth

Once you lose your baby teeth, your adult teeth need to last the rest of your life. Your dentist or dental hygienist will tell you to stay away from soft drinks, not only because they're high in sugar, but also because of what soda can do to your teeth (its acids erode the enamel off). Soft, starchy foods can get lodged between your teeth, and your favorite caramels and chewy candies can stay stuck on your teeth until you give them a good brushing. And these foods aren't great for your overall health, either.

Some highly nutritious foods can also be disasters for your teeth, says Aspen Dental Dentist Dr. Whitney White in a Health Digest interview. "Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are high in citric acid, which can erode enamel and increase the risk of decay," she said. "Dried fruits, while nutritious, are sticky and can get lodged in between your teeth, feeding harmful bacteria." Yuck.

White adds that it's not just food that can be bad for your teeth. Coffee, tea, and wine can make your teeth more sensitive because they can wear down your tooth's enamel. You don't have to give up on these healthy foods, though. White shares how to enjoy your favorite healthy foods and drinks while keeping your dental health intact.

If you're avoiding carbs to help you lose weight, you're also helping your teeth. The sugars found in bread, rice, and pasta also serve as fuel for the bacteria in your mouth. You might also want to take a look at some of those bright-colored fruits and vegetables. "Blueberries, beets, and turmeric are all packed with healthy nutritional values; however, they can leave your teeth stained," White said.

To keep your teeth stain-free and healthy, White reminds everyone to brush their teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush with soft bristles. This will remove some of those food particles and bacteria that can invite tooth decay. Because some of these foods can get stuck between your teeth, use dental floss every day.

While brushing and flossing isn't anything new, White suggests some unique ideas to help with the stains of coffee and tea. "If you're a coffee or tea drinker, try to drink it all at once instead of sipping throughout the day to minimize prolonged acid exposure," she said. You could even consume these drinks with a specifically designed reusable straw. "Using a straw helps reduce contact with your teeth, protecting both your enamel and preventing stains."

You could be tempted to reach for your toothbrush right after eating or drinking something acidic. White says to wait about 20 minutes to let your saliva do its work in neutralizing the acid.

Not all foods and drinks can wreck your dental health, but you'll want to include certain minerals that can be lost due to bacterial acids. "Foods rich in calcium, like milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens, help keep teeth and the supporting bone strong," White said. "Phosphorus-rich foods like eggs, fish, and lean meats are great for protecting and rebuilding enamel."

How's your saliva? Saliva works round-the-clock to defend your mouth against tooth decay. Certain foods encourage your mouth to produce more saliva. "Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, celery, and carrots, can stimulate saliva production and naturally clean your teeth while you chew," White said. You can also try chewing on sugarless gum to keep up saliva production and dislodge any stubborn food particles between brushings.

If drinking coffee from a straw turns you off, try drinking green or black tea. Teas have polyphenols that are great for your overall health, but these same polyphenols also thwart bacteria's ability to set up camp inside your mouth. The fluoride in your water can also protect your teeth from tooth decay.