Some foods that seem healthy are actually harmful to your enamel.
We all know that candy and soda are bad for teeth. But some foods with healthy reputations are silently eroding your enamel, staining your teeth, or feeding the bacteria that cause cavities.
Here are five surprising culprits — and what to do about them.
**1. Citrus fruits and juices.** Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, but their high acid content erodes tooth enamel over time. Tip: Rinse with water after consuming and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
**2. Dried fruits.** They stick to teeth like candy and are loaded with concentrated sugar. Fresh fruit is always the better choice.
**3. Sports drinks.** Marketed as healthy, but most contain as much sugar and acid as soda. Stick to water during workouts.
**4. Sparkling water (flavored).** The carbonation creates carbonic acid, and added flavors often increase acidity. Plain sparkling water is fine in moderation.
**5. Kombucha.** Fermented and acidic, kombucha can be just as erosive as soda. Drink through a straw and rinse after.
The key isn't avoiding these foods entirely — it's knowing how to minimize their impact on your teeth.
