Revealed: The 10 foods and drinks that are secretly sabotaging your dental health

As we age, protecting our dental health becomes more crucial than ever. While diligent oral care is a given, there are dangers lurking in our everyday diets that can silently compromise the well-being of our teeth and gums. From seemingly harmless treats to common beverages, it’s time to uncover the ten unsuspecting culprits that may jeopardise your precious smile.

Your teeth are meant to serve you for a lifetime, but have you ever considered that your dietary choices might be undermining your oral well-being? In an eye-opening revelation, Dr. Valence Roberts, Principal Dentist, exposes the ten foods and drinks that are secretly wreaking havoc on your teeth and gums.

1. Carbonated drinks and alcohol

Wine, beer, black coffee, cola, orange juice, sports drinks and even sparkling water all have high acidic levels. If you insist on drinking the above, to avoid it staining your teeth, use a straw and swish with a glass of water immediately after.

2. Citrus fruits

Grapefruit, oranges and lemons are highly acidic and can cause tooth enamel to dissolve. Excess consumption may also lead to tooth sensitivity and staining. Rinse and swirl your teeth with water after eating citrus, then wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth. If you brush immediately after eating/drinking acidic substances, you can wear your teeth away faster.

3. Cough Drops or Throat Lozenges

You only have to cough or have the ‘ahem’ bug to attract accusatory glares, so a medicated cough may seem like a great solution to ward off an annoying throat tickle. However, they’re as bad as eating boiled lollies because they sit in your mouth for extended periods. Try a warm saltwater gargle or sip sugar-free hot tea instead. If you need to use lozenges, the sugar-free ones cause less damage.

4. Curries

There’s nothing like the richly flavoured butter chicken or Tikka Masala, but many of the spices such as turmeric and saffron are brightly pigmented, and if consumed regularly, can leave your teeth looking yellow. Rinse with water during the meal and brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating to help reduce the risk of stains.

5. Vinegar

Whether you’re doing a morning shot of apple cider vinegar for its health benefits or drowning your salad in the fruitiness of a dark balsamic, vinegar can attack and erode tooth enamel making your teeth more susceptible to staining. Immediately after, drink a glass of water or reach for the sugar-free gum.

6. Coffee

The dark, natural pigments from coffee beans are renowned for staining your teeth. Avoid savouring your cup of coffee over a long period of time so you can rinse your mouth with water. Perhaps consider alternating between a sip of coffee and a sip of water. Always finish with a water rinse (non-carbonated water).

7. Berries

Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates and boysenberries all have high teeth-staining pigment. Professional teeth whitening can reduce the amount of staining. For results within an hour, make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist.

8. Clear soft drinks

Simply because a drink doesn’t have colouring, does not mean it won’t affect your teeth. The high acidity erodes away tooth enamel, making your teeth more prone to staining.

9. Pasta

If you’ve ever put leftover tomato-based pasta dishes in a container, you’ll know how hard it is to remove the orange-red stain it leaves behind. Your teeth are no different. Rich in pigment and acid, tomatoes are a big culprit in teeth staining. Try using a cream or pesto sauce instead.

10. Popcorn

Hard popcorn kernels could crack or damage your teeth (or veneers if you have them). Popcorn starts creating acid in your mouth almost immediately. Before the end of the movie, rinse your teeth with water or carry toothpicks with you to get rid of the excess popcorn husks to avoid infection.

Equipped with effective strategies, you now have the power to take charge of your dental health and protect your radiant smile. Remember, prevention is key, and by making conscious choices about what you consume, you can preserve your teeth and gums for a lifetime.

By incorporating oral hygiene practices and being mindful of the potential harm lurking in certain foods and drinks, you can ensure that your smile remains a source of confidence and joy.

This article was originally published on May 21, 2022, and updated on July 3, 2023.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.