Those healthy foods that are getting your
body back in shape for summer may be awesome for your diet, but unfortunately,
not so much for your teeth. According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, some healthy
foods that you enjoy may not be the best for your teeth and gums.
Are those healthy carbs really healthy?
You may have cut out white flour, white
bread, potatoes and white rice, but the wheat and whole grain alternatives are
just as bad when it comes to your teeth. Because you metabolize carbs into
sugar through your saliva, you are still producing acids that will wear away
the enamel on your teeth. Whole grains are just as damaging as they can become
stuck between your teeth.
Dark Foods and Liquids
You may have eliminated tea, coffee, and red
wine from your diet because of staining, but that curry sauce that is helping
you lose weight could be just as bad. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries,
and even barbecue sauce can cause stains on your teeth.
Citrus
Grapefruits, Kiwi, oranges, limes, lemons, tomatoes
and apples, yes apples, are loaded with natural sugars. However, it is the
nature of the fruit itself that can cause the majority of the damage. Eat
citrus fruits with other foods and rinse after enjoying.
Dried Fruit
Great for the waistline, but bad for your
teeth, dried apricots, papaya, figs, dates, and dried mango's can cause serious
damage to your teeth. Just like gummy bears, sticky fruits will stay lodged
between your teeth and can be just as bad as that saltwater taffy you gave up
to lose weight.
Sports and Energy Drinks
Energy drinks and those sports drinks that
you like to consume after a workout may be your favorite treat after pumping
iron, but the truth is, they are packed with tooth eroding acids and sugar.
Drink water after your aerobics class and leave the energy and sports drinks on
the shelf.
If you would like more information regarding
healthy food for your body and your teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today.