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Five foods that could be harming your teeth. A number of foods and drinks can damage your pearly whites, including caffeinated beverages and vinegar-based foods. To help you keep your smile intact, a group of board-certified oral surgeons and restorative doctors at Doctors Implants, a dental practice specialising in restorative and implant dentistry, have revealed the everyday foods that could be harming the health and appearance of your teeth. Citrus fruits While citrus fruits are packed with vitamins, they also contain citric acid, which can damage your tooth enamel. ”People assume fruits are always beneficial for their health, but the acidity in citrus can lead to enamel thinning over time.” If you do eat citrus, remember to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to neutralise the acid. Sports and energy drinks These popular drinks may give you an energy boost, but they are full of sugar and acid. ”The acidity weakens enamel, while sugar fuels bacteria that cause decay,” the experts explain, adding that if you feel the need to have an energy drink, you should use a straw. Coffee and tea Coffee and tea are among the most common culprits when it comes to staining teeth and can dull your pearly whites over time. Try to limit your intake or opt for lighter teas. Tomato-based sauces Surprisingly, tomato-based sauces, including salsa or marinara, can wear down your tooth enamel and cause stains over time. ”When acidic sauces linger in the mouth, they have a double impact - causing erosion and discolouration.” They add that to avoid this, you should pair your tomato-based sauces with foods high in calcium, such as cheese, which can help neutralise the acidity. Vinegar-based foods Like tomato-based sauces, vinegar-based foods are often acidic, which means they can also cause erosion. ”Vinegar is a hidden culprit of enamel erosion," they state, adding that you should drink water after eating these foods to dilute the acids.
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