
Things that are bad for your teeth SUGARY TREATS While you may think of candy as the biggest culprit of cavities, sugar-sweetened sodas and sweet tea are right up there. Having a constant source of sugar flowing into the mouth is really bad for the teeth. Sugar leads to more plaque accumulation, and in turn, the plaque releases acids that eat into the teeth. Sugary drinks can also affect the gums and cause gingivitis. ACIDIC FOODS AND DRINKS Grapefruits and oranges may be breakfast staples, but the acid in these fruits can erode enamel on your teeth. Same with lemons (including lemonade) and limes. And it’s not just fruit—the acid content in sodas (even diet sodas) spells trouble for your smile. Fortunately you can limit the negative impact a couple of ways: Use a straw to limit acid exposure, and/or drink faster. Research shows that people who sip their drinks are more likely to have tooth damage than those who finish their beverages quickly. TOOTH STAINING DR...