While we often in the first instance think about the foods and habits that promote healthy teeth, it’s really the more important to be aware of the everyday items that can harm our dental health the most. Especially the ones you might not have thought of. Certain habits and products that seem harmless enough or even beneficially may actually contribute to tooth decay, enamel erosion, and other dental problems. Here’s a look at some everyday items that are the worst for our teeth.

Sugary Snacks and Beverages

Okay – this one is absolutely no surprise, but sugary snacks like candies, cookies, and sodars (including sports and energy drinks!) are of course just the absolute worst in promoting tooth decay. Why? The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acids in return, which erode our tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

It also means that hard candies are even worse, as your teeth are exposed to sugar for an extended period of time. Additionally, biting down on them can lead to dental emergencies, such as chipped or cracked teeth. To counter this, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralising acids.Sticky and chewy foods create a similar issue, where they cling to the surfaces of our teeth strong enough to make it difficult for saliva to wash them away. Be sure to brush and floss using a cordless dental flosser afterward to remove any lingering residue for too long.

Acidic Foods and Drinks

That brings us straight to your next point, as we’ve just learned that acid’s the main enemy. There are so, so many things containing acid in our diet – be it citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, or carbonated sodas. And whilst especially fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C and other nutrients, they are also quite dangerous for our teeth. They should, of course, be part of a balanced diet – but be mindful of their harmful effects. Because they weaken our enamel, brushing our teeth right afterwards could further damage it. Instead, rinse with water, but retain from brushing for a good hour after consumption.

Eating Ice

I won’t lie, don’t we all just love it, biting on an ice cube we have in our drinks? Well, it may seem harmless, but it can actually damage your teeth, too. Ice Is of course hard – which can, in the worst case, cause tiny cracks or chips in the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and other problems. Even though our teeth are tough, biting on hard objects should in general be avoided. This also includes things like pens, pencils – or whatever it is that we sometimes distract us with. Oh, and especially opening bottles.

Overuse of Whitening Products

While teeth whitening products can definitely helpbrightening our smiles, overusing them can damage the teeth quite heavily. Always follow the recommended usage guidelines and consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment. And be cautious when buying things online, without referral!