When it comes to food, our eyes and taste buds might love certain items, but your teeth – not so much. That’s because certain foods can actually cause erosion of the tooth’s surface causing pain and sensitivity, while others can lead to cavities and gum disease.
While some of these foods can be tempting to the tummy, it’s best to stay away from them for the good of your chompers. Let’s take a closer look at 12 foods that are acidic, hard to chew or encourage bacterial growth that can turn your smile upside down…
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1. White Bread
Who doesn’t love white bread? Your teeth, that’s who. This highly-processed bread is full of starches that your saliva breaks down into sugars, which can work its way into the crevices of your teeth and cause plaque.
Left untreated, plaque can cause tooth erosion as well as periodontal disease that can cause pain, bleeding gums, and even loose teeth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Try to stick with bread that’s made from whole grains, which aren’t processed like white bread.