Are Healthy Foods Always Good for Your Teeth?

Everyone wants to have a healthy body and a healthy mouth. When it comes to your diet, a lot of advice focuses on which foods are healthy for your body, and many people assume that the same foods are also good for your teeth. But that’s not always the case. Take a look at some healthy foods and beverages that can actually be damaging to your dental health.

Tea

Tea is a common choice for people who are trying to wean themselves off of a coffee or sugary soda habit. Many types of tea are full of antioxidants that can be good for your health. But tea is not necessarily such a good choice for your teeth.

For one thing, tea can stain your teeth. While this may not cause you pain or affect the way you chew or eat, it can certainly dim your smile. Black tea can also contribute to tooth erosion, and fruit teas contain acids that can wear away your tooth enamel.

You don’t have to avoid tea entirely, but avoid sipping on it all day, and consider using a straw to prevent your teeth from having as much contact with the liquid. Make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water every day – water is great for your body and your mouth.

Nuts

Many varieties of nuts are full of nutrients and a great replacement for empty calorie snacks like potato chips. However, whole nuts can fracture your teeth or weaken them, leading to tooth sensitivity. This is especially true for very hard nuts, like almonds.

You don’t have to give up nuts to protect your teeth, but you should avoid whole nuts, especially when they’re very hard. Opt for chopped or slivered nuts instead.

Dried Fruit

If you have a sweet tooth, you may gravitate toward dried raisins, cranberries, apricots, or other fruits to replace a candy habit. These dried fruits can give you that satisfying sweetness, but are healthier than a bag of candy.

However, it’s important to remember that natural sugar is still sugar, and dried fruits contain highly concentrated levels of sugar. They’re also sticky, which means that sugar clings to your teeth long after you’re done eating. You’re better off choosing fresh fruits instead.

It’s important to take your oral health into consideration as you plan a diet of healthy foods. Discuss your diet with your dentist to get a dental perspective on the best foods for your tooth health.