Sugar

Only sugar can penetrate the teeth’s strong enamel coating, causing decay. Sugar can be found in sweets, pastries, cakes, biscuits, and chocolate. An excess of refined sugar also dissolves the minerals essential for healthy teeth.

Artificial Sweeteners

Look out for hidden sugars in the contents list, such as sucrose, dextrose, and maltose, which are often found in artificial sweeteners.

Sticky sweet treats

Full of refined sugars, toffee, sweet sauces, and other sticky foods that cling to teeth, making sure you brush after eating them is very important.

Fruit juices, i.e., orange, grapefruit, and any citrus fruit

The sugars in fruit are not released until it is chewed, but in fruit juice, the sugars are more likely to be in contact with the teeth for longer, so avoid using fruit juice in a baby’s feeding bottle and preferably drink it with a straw. Eating some cheese afterwards is a good idea to balance out the acidity from the fruit. Avoid brushing for around 15 minutes after eating acidic fruits to allow the mouth’s saliva to neutralise the acid.

Fizzy Drinks

Sports drinks and colas are loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners, and diet fizz can be high in phosphorous, which, although essential for strong teeth, can drag calcium out of the teeth if too many are drunk. Use a straw if you must drink them.

Processed Cereals

Read the label carefully. It is amazing how much sugar is hidden in these so-called healthy carbohydrates.

Crisps and Chips

Cooked starch breaks down into component sugars. Opt for foods low on the glycemic index, such as sweet potatoes.

White Wine

Can be very acidic and contribute to enamel erosion. Drinking little and often is far worse than drinking once a day at meal times.

Protect your smile and maintain your dental health! Schedule a dental hygiene consultation at Creative Smiles today. Our expert team can help you with all your dental issues and provide personalised advice to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Don’t wait—book your appointment now and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile!