The nine foods that hurt teeth the most

It takes a good mouth to enjoy all kinds of delicious food, but did you know that some eating methods are secretly harming your teeth? The American Dental Association recently put together a list of nine foods that are bad for your teeth, along with specific advice on how to do so

Hard fruit candies are not a good option

While these fruit hard candies may seem harmless, eating too much of them can lead to excessive sugar intake and damage to teeth. Hard fruit candies themselves can also pose a risk to teeth. This is because, in addition to the sugar content, hard physical properties of hard candies can also cause oral emergencies such as broken teeth.

Suggestion: Is there a better alternative? Chewing sugar-free gum is a good idea.

Ice should not be used for chewing

You might be surprised at how many people think ice is good for your teeth. After all, ice is made from water and doesn't contain any sugar or other additives. But chewing on hard substances can make teeth brittle, potentially causing oral emergencies and damaging tooth enamel.

Tip: Break the habit of munching on ice cubes. Cold liquid water will do the same.

Watch your intake of citrus fruits

Frequent exposure to acidic food can damage tooth enamel, making teeth more prone to decay. So even if juicing a lemon or lime can turn a glass of water into a tasty drink, it's not always the best choice for your mouth. Citric acid - rich fruits and juices can also cause canker sores.

ACTION: Remember to drink plenty of water after eating citrus fruits or juices.

Not all coffee and tea are beneficial

Coffee and tea in their natural form are both healthy choices. Unfortunately, many people can't resist adding sugar to their drink. In addition, caffeinated coffee and tea can also cause dry mouth. Regular consumption of coffee and tea can also stain teeth.

Suggestion: If you're going to drink coffee or tea, be sure to drink plenty of plain water, and try to keep the added substances to a minimum.

Sticky food is your worst nightmare

When it comes to healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But did you know that a lot of dried fruits are sticky? Because sticky foods tend to stick to your teeth longer than other types of food, similar sticky foods can cause damage to your teeth.

ACTION: If you find yourself regularly eating sticky foods such as dried fruit, be sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating, and brush and floss carefully.

Beware of "crunch" foods

Who doesn't love the pleasurable, satisfying crunch of crunching potato chips? Unfortunately, potato chips are rich in starch, which sticks to your teeth.

ACTION: If you indulge in such snacks, be extra careful to floss after eating to carefully remove any food debris that can cause plaque to build up.

Drink a glass of water after a soft drink

If you eat sugary food or drink sugary drinks for a long time, plaque bacteria can convert sugar into acids, which can damage enamel, the hard surface of your teeth. Most carbonated drinks, including diet soda, are acidic, so they're bad for your teeth. Caffeinated drinks such as cola can also cause dry mouth.

ACTION: If you have a soft drink like this, try drinking a glass of water after it.

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol can dehydrate the body and dry the mouth. People who drink heavily may find themselves producing less saliva over time, which can also lead to dental caries and other oral infections, including periodontal disease. Heavy drinking also increases the risk of oral cancer.

Suggestion: Drink in moderation, which is good for your oral and overall health.

Beware of sports drinks

Sports drinks sound good for you, don't they? But for many sports and energy drinks, sugar is one of the most important ingredients. While it is true that sports drinks can help young athletes engage in prolonged, intense physical activity, they are not necessary in the vast majority of cases, according to the AAP guidelines.

ACTION: Before your next sports drink, try reading the ingredient label to make sure you're choosing a drink that's low in sugar. If you're not sure? Drink white water, you bet!