When it is about taking care of your teeth, you must brush your teeth twice daily, floss and should not miss out on regular dental checkups. Also, you must be cautious about some foods as they may be harmful for your teeth.
Dr. Andrew Weil shares a lists of some snacks that are bad for your teeth:
1. Unsweetened Dried Fruit
Well, you thought that raisins, dried apricots and figs are healthy options for snacks. Yes, they are better than the candy bars, but they still have high content of sugar and insoluble cellulose fiber. This can attach and trap the sugars around your teeth.
So, what should you do? You can consume fresher versions. If you want to have dried fruits, consume only little and choose the ones that don’t have added sugars.
2. Banana and Sweet Potato Chips
Banana chips and sweet potato chips are healthier than the standard potato chips, but they may not be that great for your teeth. When digested, chips are processed as sugar. So, these may end up sticking in the grooves of the teeth. This creates room for acid and bacteria that promotes cavity.
3. Citrus Fruits
Fruits like oranges, kiwis and lemon are rich in vitamin C. But, they also have acids that damage the enamel. Therefore, consume these in moderation to prevent tooth damage.
4. Flavored Water Drinks
These are available in the market as an alternative to soda. While they are good for reducing the intake of calories, they contain citric acid, which is not good for tooth enamel. But, no need to worry if soda has become a habit for you. Make a transition to plain water in due course of time.
Dr. Weil warns to be careful the next time you consume these snacks. Moderation is the key. As long as you are not consuming in excess, it’s fine!
