Could Your Healthy Diet be Ruining Your Teeth?
Spring is here, and for many of us, this means it’s time to get healthy for summer. Although you may think that your new healthy diet is working wonders, your teeth may tell a different story. Some of the most popular healthy snacks and superfoods can actually be harmful for your teeth.
Dr Sameer Patel claims that many of the fad foods people turn to to boost their health may actually be detrimental for oral health. Popcorn is one popular example. For many, popcorn is a low-calorie alternative to crisps. Although it may have lower sugar and fat content than other snacks, popcorn is actually one of the worst things you can eat when it comes to your dental health. The soft part of the popcorn gets stuck in the teeth, and the hard kernels can cause damage to the tooth enamel. If you have food trapped in your teeth for hours on end, this is likely to increase your risk of cavities.
Juicing is another trend to try and avoid if you’re trying to keep your smile in tip-top condition. Juices tend to be very acidic and they often contain a lot of sugar. If you are drinking juice, try to make your own concoctions at home, so you can control the sugar content. It’s also best to use a straw to drink any acidic drink. This will reduce exposure to the acids and help to protect your enamel.
Dr Patel also urged those who long for a sparkling white smile to avoid coloured foods, such as beetroot and blackberries. As a general rule, he advised patients to compare their teeth to a crisp white shirt. If you know a food will stain a white shirt, it’s likely to have the same effect on your pearly whites. If you are eating strongly coloured foods, always wash your mouth out with water afterwards.
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