Foods Worse for Your Teeth Than Chocolates: A Surprising Truth

by Jeelin Inamac | Feb 5, 2024

Foods that damage your teeth

A lot of people believe chocolate and candy are the worst things for our teeth, but surprisingly, they're not the worst offenders. While it does contain sugar, it washes off your teeth faster and doesn't linger on your teeth for extended periods unlike sticky candies and starchy snacks. Chocolate gives less time for harmful bacteria to cause cavities.

There are actually more popular foods and drinks that are more harmful to our oral health, even though they don't get as bad of a reputation. Keeping a healthy smile takes more than just brushing and flossing.

By doing research, asking dental experts, as well as deriving from our own experiences as dentists, we have compiled a list of foods and drinks that surprisingly causes more damage than people tend to realize.

1. Rice - especially white rice, easily breaks down into sugar and the texture is also sticky which makes it stick to the teeth easier. Since rice is a staple food and is usually eaten almost every meal in some countries, it piles up longer and faster for bacteria to cause damage to the teeth, earning the top of the list.
2. Bread - like bread, it converts to sugar faster plus the sugary sticky spreads and fillings we add makes it one of the top culprits of tooth decay.
3. Pasta - aside from being starchy and likeliness to stick and stay in between teeth, some teeth staining sauces like tomato sauce are acidic and erode teeth enamel. Plus, some sauces are high in sugar as well making pasta a triple whammy for tooth decay.
4. Biscuit, chips, and crackers - These are starchy foods as well that tends to stick to the tooth for a longer time plus the extra sugary fillings can sometimes be sticky and linger between the teeth. As for chips, aside from it being an unhealthy starchy food that encourages bacterial growth, the rough or abrasive texture of chips (and crackers) can grind on your teeth. Additionally, since they're often a snack rather than a full meal, we're less likely to follow up with a thorough teeth-brushing.
5. Soda - Aside from not having any nutritional value, soda is full of sugar and very acidic. A combination of harmful causes for enamel erosion and tooth decay. Diet sodas are no better as they are higher in phosphoric acids than regular sodas.
6. Coffee - Ah, our beloved coffee and it’s addictive caffeine kick! Unfortunately, coffee stains teeth is one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. Plus, it's on the acidic side, which can gradually wear down our enamel over time.
7. Tea - as refreshing teas can be, sadly, it’s packed with teeth-staining tannins. While freshly brewed teas aren't considered as highly acidic, beware of some bottled varieties found to be as acidic as vinegar, which can spell trouble for your tooth enamel.
8. Wine - Wine can stain your teeth and damage your enamel because of its acids and tannins. Wine’s alcohol content can cause dehydration which reduces saliva production and makes teeth more susceptible to decay. To minimize the damage, drink water after each sip of wine.
9. Tomato Sauce - Tomato-based sauces (like ketchup), dips, and dressings combine acid, sugar, and staining pigments - the three main culprits for dental damage. The tomato sauce’s acidic component erodes enamel, while the sugar feeds harmful bacteria that weakens teeth, while also staining teeth.
10. Dried fruits - Dried fruits are nature's candy, but their sugary content, combined with their sticky texture, creates a perfect storm for harmful bacteria to thrive. As they get lodged in your teeth for a longer time, they provide a continuous supply of sugars that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Go for fresh fruits instead.
11. Citrus fruits - Citrus fruits like lime, lemon, pomelo, pineapple, oranges, etc, though packed with essential nutrients, can be acidic, potentially eroding tooth enamel over time. It's essential to enjoy them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward to neutralize the acidity.

Tips on how to still enjoy these tasty foods while keeping healthy smiles.

We're not saying you need to stop enjoying those yummy treats! You can still enjoy them, but be sure to practice good oral hygiene and follow these tips to keep your smile healthy.