Eating Easter candy? Here’s why it’s bad for your teeth

Easter candy season is upon us. And while it’s a whimsical time of bright, pastel-colored candy in all varieties, it’s also a time of toothache. The protective layer of enamel in your teeth can be eroded or cracked by the food we eat, making your teeth vulnerable to cavities, tooth decay and sensitivity.

Your teeth are not invincible. This is why it is crucial that you take care of your oral health. Watching what you eat is part of it. Candy is one of the main culprits, but she’s not the only one. Let’s review the foods that erode tooth enamel and how to combat this problem.

Also, learn the truth about Oil extraction and why shouldn’t you silk After you brush your teeth.

4 foods that damage your enamel

1. Sour fruits

Dietary acids are one of the culprits of tooth enamel erosion. Unfortunately, some of the most popular fruits are high in acids. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are hard on the teeth due to their vitamin C content. It’s not just citrus fruits you should watch out for; the berries are also acidic.

Dried fruits can also affect your teeth due to their sugar content and consistency. By eating them, they can get stuck on and between your teeth and be difficult to remove.

Before giving up fruits, you need to know about the health benefits of fruits – strengthening your immune system and vitamin content – outweigh any damage they may cause to your teeth. Keep eating fruit. After eating, you can fight tooth decay by rinsing your mouth with water. Alternatively, you can floss and brush your teeth after eating them.

2. Drinks high in sugar

In addition to the inconveniences for your mood and physical health, Sugary drinks such as sodas and fruit juices are one of the main causes of tooth decay. This is because the sugar in the drinks coats your teeth. Acid is produced when bacteria in your mouth break down sugars. Then the acid eats away at your tooth enamel.

Limiting your intake of sugary drinks is the best line of defense. However, when drinking them, it is best to drink them through a straw to limit their contact with your teeth.

3. Candy

This one should come as no surprise, but sweets aren’t good for your teeth. Like sodas and fruit juices, the sugar in candy reacts with bacteria in your mouth to produce enamel-eating acids. Sour candies, in particular, contain more acids which damage your teeth at a higher rate.

The consistency of some candies is also a problem for your teeth. Sticky gums and candies can stick to the surface and between the teeth. Removing them can be tricky and rinsing your mouth isn’t always enough to get the job done. Although hard candies don’t stick to your teeth, they stay in your mouth longer, exposing your teeth to more sugar.

If you’re going to eat sweets, opt for those that don’t stay in your mouth long, such as chocolate or sugar-free candies.

Learn more:Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? It depends on what you eat

4. Ice cream

Every time someone chews ice, a dentist cries. All kidding aside, chewing ice is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. Yes, there is no sugar or acid to break down your enamel. However, chewing ice can crack or chip your teeth. This can cause you toothache or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Chewing ice can also threaten the integrity of crowns and fillings.

Opting for shaved or soft ice is a great alternative to traditional ice cubes. It’s worth talking to your doctor if you can’t kick the habit because chewing ice can be a sign of iron deficiency, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What foods stain your teeth?

Tooth decay and damage aren’t the only things that can happen to your teeth. Discoloration or staining on the surface of your teeth may also occur. As we age, the enamel wears down and our teeth become more yellow. The things we eat also play an important role in the color of our teeth.

Common foods and drinks that can stain your teeth:

• Tea and coffee
• Soya sauce
• Red wine
• black sodas
• Berries
• Tomato sauce
• Beats
• Starches

Reducing these foods will help save your teeth in the long run. However, it is unrealistic to expect anyone to completely avoid these foods. And you shouldn’t have to. Fighting tooth decay and stains is as simple as focusing on oral hygiene.

To learn more about dental health, we can tell you why you shouldn’t rinse after brushing your teeth and how how to use your electric toothbrush properly.