Tooth Decay

Food and drink with high levels of acidity and sugar can be damaging to your teeth and cause them to decay. This happens when acidic or sugary food particles get lodged in your teeth and rot away the tooth enamel, causing decay within the tooth. This isn’t to say you can never have sugary or acidic food or drink, but it’s essential to limit your consumption and clean your mouth thoroughly afterward.

Sugar is addictive, especially if you’re someone who naturally has a sweet tooth. It can be hard to cut out, but even choosing an option that’s lower in sugar when picking out everyday food items such as cereals, spreads, etc., than the product you would usually buy will make a difference.

Try having some fruit for sweetness if you get an intense craving. Fruits are high in sugar but do not count as “free sugars,” which are found in products such as fizzy drinks and syrups. However, these sugars do count in your overall daily sugar consumption and can cause dental problems if you don’t clean your mouth properly.

The same also goes for highly acidic food and drink, including some smoothies and fruit juices (i.e., orange juice). These beverages can be more damaging than eating the fruit itself, and it’s recommended that your consumption of them doesn’t exceed 150ml per day.

Staining

Coffee, tea, smoking, and alcohol all have the potential to stain your teeth. Smoking causes them to go yellow, makes your breath smell, and increases the risk of developing gum disease.

As well as staining your teeth, alcohol can cause them to lose enamel by eroding their outer surface, which can lead to sensitivity and decay. Coffee and tea are both major staining culprits for staining teeth – and depending on how much sugar or honey you add to them, these beverages could also contribute to tooth decay.

Avoid these issues by cutting down on smoking, alcohol, and caffeine wherever you can. If possible, try drinking some beverages through a straw to avoid staining, but remember the sugar and other ingredients can have an impact on the rest of your body too.

Chipping

Chipped teeth are painful, expensive to fix, and change the way your smile looks. While it can be tempting when you have no other options, using your teeth as a tool is not a good idea.

Cracking nuts, removing caps from bottles, ripping packaging open, and any other non-biting/-chewing action is likely to end up harming your teeth. There are treatments available to fix broken or chipped teeth, so it’s essential to reach out to your dentist if yours have been damaged.

Gum Disease

Mild gum disease, or gingivitis, is quite common – most people experience spitting blood when they brush their teeth at some point. If you’re spitting blood regularly, there are a few ways you can remedy this:

• Use a softer toothbrush or try brushing with lighter strokes

• Get an antimicrobial mouthwash designed to treat gum disease

• Floss daily (this will make the bleeding worse at first, but removes trapped plaque in your teeth and therefore treats the source of the issue)

• Use toothpaste formulated to treat gum disease

If the bleeding or sore gums are a frequent problem, visit your dentist to get personalised treatment. Catching gum disease early is easily treatable and prevents gingivitis from progressing to periodontitis, which causes gum erosion and tooth loss.

Sensitivity

Many people experience sensitive teeth, especially when eating cold foods. Luckily, there are plenty of products on the market to help combat the pain, like toothpaste and gels.

If you’re aware of certain foods that cause your teeth to get that sharp, painful sensitive feeling, avoid them. If you can’t identify the root of the issue, try desensitising toothpaste, use fluoride mouthwash, and try a soft-bristled brush to see if that improves the problem.

Conclusion

Day to day, there are a multitude of things you can do to avoid damaging your teeth. A healthy diet and good oral care habits will be your best friend in keeping your pearly whites healthy.

If you ever get worried or are unsure of what to do about a dental issue, always consult your dentist to get customised care and spot any underlying medical problems.