Monday, August 18th, 2025
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets and what you eat has a significant impact on its health. While regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential, many Canadians are unaware that everyday foods and drinks can quietly erode enamel, cause cavities, and lead to long-term oral health issues.
In this blog, we’ll break down the top 9 foods that damage your teeth and explain why they pose a risk to your oral health. Knowing what to watch out for can help you make smarter choices and protect your smile for years to come.
Hard candies, gummies, lollipops, and other sugary treats are some of the worst offenders when it comes to dental health. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acids that wear down your enamel. Sticky candies are even worse—they cling to your teeth, allowing sugars to linger and increasing your risk for decay. If you indulge occasionally, be sure to rinse with water and brush soon after.
Whether it’s regular or diet, soda is a leading cause of enamel erosion. It’s packed with sugar and acid—two things your teeth don’t like. The carbonation in soft drinks adds another layer of acidity, which can weaken enamel even faster. Drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth with water afterward can reduce damage, but limiting soda intake is your best bet for long-term protection.
Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are full of vitamin C and other health benefits—but they’re also highly acidic. Consistent exposure to citric acid can weaken enamel over time, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Even natural fruit juices carry the same risk. If you’re a fan of citrus, enjoy it with meals rather than as a standalone snack, and rinse with water afterward to minimize the acid’s effects.
Chewing on ice might seem harmless—it’s just frozen water, after all. But it can crack or chip your teeth, especially if you already have fillings or weakened enamel. Ice is tough, and chewing it can put stress on your teeth and jaw. If you like something cold and crunchy, try chilled carrots or apples instead.
Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates may seem like a healthy snack option, but they’re sticky, high in sugar, and cling to your teeth just like candy. The sugars in dried fruit can stay on your teeth for hours, feeding decay-causing bacteria. If you eat dried fruit, be sure to rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth not long after.
Alcohol can dry out your mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva is essential for keeping your teeth clean and neutralizing acids that can damage them. A dry mouth creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Some alcoholic drinks like wine are also acidic or sugary—double trouble for your teeth. Try to stay hydrated, and drink water alongside alcohol to support saliva production and wash away sugars and acids.
Many Canadians enjoy coffee or tea daily—but these beverages can stain your teeth over time, especially if consumed frequently—dark pigments from coffee and black tea stick to enamel, leading to yellowing or dullness. Sweetened versions are even worse. Adding sugar or syrup increases the risk of cavities. If you’re sipping all day, try switching to water between cups and skip the sugar where possible.
Potato chips, crackers, and other refined starches might not seem sweet, but they break down into sugars in your mouth. These sugars then feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Chips also tend to get stuck between teeth and in crevices, making them a hidden threat to oral health. Flossing after eating starchy snacks is a smart move to prevent buildup and decay.
Pickled vegetables and foods high in vinegar—like salad dressings and condiments—are acidic and can erode enamel over time. Frequent consumption can increase sensitivity and make teeth more prone to wear and tear. While these foods are often part of a balanced diet, try to pair them with other less acidic foods during meals and rinse with water afterward to neutralize the acid.
Also read: What Do Unhealthy Gums Look Like?
You don’t have to eliminate all of these foods—but awareness and moderation are key. Many of the foods listed above can still fit into a healthy lifestyle, especially when combined with smart dental habits like:
If you do enjoy one of these tooth-damaging foods, try to consume it with a meal (when saliva production is higher) and rinse your mouth with water soon afterward.
For any dental problem, Book your appointment at Brookmere Dental Group today.
