Post: The healthy foods that are bad for your teeth

Will an apple a day keep the dentist away? Some foods that are ‘good’ for you are less good for your mouth

GETTY IMAGES When we think of things that are bad for our teeth, we tend to think of sugar. Rightly so: it’s dental enemy number one, interacting with bacteria in the mouth to produce acid that dissolves our enamel, causing cavities that can lead to painful infections and even tooth loss.

But there could be danger lurking in unexpected places: foods that are good for you in other ways can be kryptonite for your teeth. These are some of the worst culprits. Acidic foods

Lots of healthy foods are highly acidic and not so good for our teeth. These include citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, as well as many of the fermented sides we are advised to eat for our gut microbiome.

“Kimchi and sauerkraut lower the pH in your mouth, weakening enamel and making teeth more vulnerable to erosion,” says Dr Victoria Sampson, a dentist and co-founder of the Health Society. “Other foods people might not realise are acidic include ketchup, which is also high in sugar, and vinegar-based foods and drinks, including trendy apple cider vinegar. Carbonated drinks are all acidic, including sparkling water.” Hard foods

Biting on an olive stone or a chicken bone can cause a fracture in your tooth. Even fine cracks can lead to infection and might necessitate an extraction or root canal. Hard sweets are one of the worst foods for dental health: not only can you crack a tooth when you bite down, but sucking the sweets keeps the sugar washing around your mouth for longer. “Avoid hard sweets, chewing ice and extremely crusty bread,” says Dr Hanna Kinsella, a dentist and the CEO of Icy Bear Dental Care. “And check your popcorn for unpopped kernels.” Starchy and salty foods

“Starchy foods such as white bread turn straight into sugar,” Kinsella says. “And salt can dry out your mouth, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria and decay.” Another reason to cut down on the bacon sandwiches.

Instead, try wholegrain bread with […]

The healthy foods that are bad for your teeth