5 Unexpected Things That Are Destroying Your Teeth | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

5 Unexpected Things That Are Destroying Your Teeth

Everyone knows that soda and candy are bad for our teeth, but there are some healthier foods that can also cause damage.

56
5 Unexpected Things That Are Destroying Your Teeth
pexels.com

In This Article:

The fact that soda and candy aren't good for our teeth isn't news to anyone. However, there are sugars and acids hiding in products that seem harmless and even healthy, which can really cause a lot of problems in our dental hygiene. So we talked to a leading cosmetic dentist from New York, Marianna M. Weiner, DDS, to give us a low down on five offenders that you would never expect to hurt your teeth

1. Juices

Although bottled juices come loaded with healthy nutrients, they also have very high sugar content. Some of these juices have a higher sugar content than soft drinks or smoothies. So drinking them is similar to dipping your teeth in chocolate, says Weiner. The bacteria in our mouth consumes this sugar and turns it into acid, which then breaks down our enamel - causing cavities.


The solution: The best and easiest solution to this problem is to simply sip juice through a staw. This will keep it away from covering the surfaces of your teeth. Also, it's important to wait at least 45 minutes after drinking a sugary beverage before you brush your teeth. Since the acid contained in juices softens our enamel, brushing right away can damage our teeth which are more vulnerable during that time.

2. Chewable vitamins

Many people love chewable vitamins, they taste like candy and are full of vitamins, what's not to love? The truth is, they aren't very healthy for your teeth. Since they are really sticky and sugary, they easily adhere to our teeth and remain there for longer periods of time, creating the perfect environment for cavities to appear.


The solution: We're not telling you to stop taking vitamins, simply take them in a pill form. Sure this might not be as tasty or fun, but a trip to the dentist for a tooth filling isn't fun either.

3. Barbecue sauce

One of the staples of summer is backyard barbecues. You know that sweet sauce you use to marinate your ribs and chicken with? Well, it also marinates your teeth in sugar. This may cause tooth discoloration and decay when left in your mouth long enough.


The solution: We know you can't wait to eat your barbecue, but before eating, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your teeth to make a protective barrier between your enamel and the sauce. Hate having jelly on your teeth? No problem, just brush your teeth after the cookout to get rid of the residue.

4. Dried fruit

Majority of fresh fruits are regarded as beneficial for our teeth such as water-packed pears and apples. However, dried fruits are not! These nutritious snacks are packed with non-cellulose fiber which confines sugar to your teeth the way gummy candies do.


The solution: Immediately after consuming dried fruits, brush and floss your teeth to remove any stuck-on sugar.

5. White wine

Most of us are familiar with the bad reputation of red wine for staining teeth. But not many people know that white wine isn't much better. White wine has lots of acids that wear away your enamel, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to stains from other drinks and foods.


The solution: Next time you drink wine, eat some cheese with it. Cheese is rich in calcium, protein, and phosphorous, which help neutralize the acids wine leaves in your mouth. If you want an approach with fewer calories: Rinse your mouth with water after drinking wine to clean away some of the acidity.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

133524
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

31161
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28587
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments