A dental expert is now shedding light on the common, everyday foods and beverages that could be posing an unsuspected threat to the well-being of our teeth.
For many, maintaining healthy teeth along with an attractive smile is a top priority. The widespread desire for a dazzling Hollywood-lie smile has even led to the development of numerous at-home whitening solutions.
But it’s our eating and drinking habits which could be secretly undermining our attempts to achieve that flawless smile.
To address this issue, a team of board-certified oral surgeons and restorative specialists at the dental clinic Doctors Implants have issued a warning about the often-unexpected negative impacts of our diets on oral health and aesthetic appeal.
An authority in the field said: “The foods you regularly consume can have a lasting impact on both the health and aesthetics of your smile. Taking steps to protect your teeth and implants from common dietary pitfalls can help you preserve a vibrant and healthy smile for years to come.”
The dental professionals outlined a list of seven ordinary foods and drinks that can potentially weaken or damage our teeth and dental implants.
Citrus Fruits
At the top of the list are citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, rich in both Vitamin C and citric acid. Although nutritious, these fruits pose a hidden risk if not handled correctly; excessive citric acid consumption can erode tooth enamel and put dental implants at risk.
As one expert at Doctors Implants explained: “People assume fruits are always beneficial for their health, but the acidity in citrus can lead to enamel thinning over time.”
A suggested solution is to consume these fruits in moderation and follow up with a water rinse to neutralise the lingering acidity in your mouth, thus mitigating its influence on your teeth.
Dried fruits
Dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and figs may seem like the ideal healthy snack option, but their sticky nature makes them notorious for clinging onto teeth and implants.
This stickiness allows sugar to linger which fuels harmful oral bacteria. An expert from Doctors Implants warned: “The concentrated sugars in dried fruits can be just as damaging as [sweets]. We recommend choosing fresh fruits over dried options, and when enjoying dried fruits, you should brush and floss afterward to prevent decay.”
Sports and Energy Drinks
Despite being popular refreshments, sports and energy drinks are laden with sugar and acidity—a dangerous duo contributing to tooth decay and implant erosion. “The acidity weakens enamel, while sugar fuels bacteria that cause decay,” cautions the team at Doctors Implants.
They advocate for water as a better alternative. If these sugary drinks are consumed, they advise using a straw to lessen contact with teeth and rinsing with water after drinking to eliminate residual sugars.
Tea and Coffee
Our daily brew of tea and coffee—much like red wine—is packed with tannins which can stain teeth and implants, particularly with frequent consumption over time. “Over time, staining can dull even the most carefully maintained smile,” remarks a pro from Doctors Implants.
To curb the effects of staining, they suggest limiting intake, sipping through a straw, choosing lighter-coloured teas, and sticking to regular dental cleanings to keep smiles bright.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomatoes might be a staple in many of our meals, but experts point out their acidic nature. They warn: “When acidic sauces linger in the mouth, they have a double impact-causing erosion and discoloration.”
To mitigate this effect, it’s suggested to combine tomato-based sauces with calcium-rich foods like cheese, which can neutralise the acidity. A quick rinse with water after eating is also recommended.
Vinegar-Based Foods
Vinegar-based foods such as gherkins and salad dressings may add zing to our dishes, but they also come with high acid levels. “Vinegar is a hidden culprit of enamel erosion,” caution the professionals.
The advice for avid fans of these sharp flavours is to indulge during main meals to lessen the time enamel is exposed to acids, and follow up with a water rinse.
Berries
Berry lovers need to be mindful too. Berries are full of antioxidants, yet blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries come with dark pigments known for staining teeth over the years.
“Berries are fantastic for health, but they can alter the shade of your smile if not balanced with care,” note the dental experts at Doctors Implants. To maintain that sparkling grin, it’s wise to rinse or brush post-berry consumption, or consider professional whitening treatments should you observe any discolouration.