Some people find it difficult to quit eating junk food completely – and this goes without saying. Some foods that we consume on a daily basis can cause enamel erosion that leads to increased teeth sensitivity to cold, hot, sour and sweet. If a person’s oral hygiene with proper brushing and flossing is not maintained dental enamel damage may result with teeth likely to develop a cavity..
Acidic Foods
Although lemons are healthy, using them as a home remedy for whitening teeth might not be the best move as they might be very harmful to the teeth. After eating lemons, tomatoes, oranges and grapefruit, the teeth should be rinsed with plain water thoroughly.
Long-Lasting, Sticky Sweets
Learn more about teeth whitening and aesthetics.
Hard candies tend to stick and cling to the surfaces of your teeth. Hard candies can also take a long time to dissolve – making them harmful to the teeth too. Hard sweets can also crack a tooth when you bite into them. It isn’t about the amount of sugar that is damaging, but how often the intake is and, how long the sugars are left on or, in between teeth or in your saliva.
Starchy Foods
We tend to consume a lot of starchy junk food without even knowing their after effects. White bread, pizza, potato chips, burgers, and pasta can easily get lodged in-between the teeth and the crevices. Even though they are not sweet nor sugary, starchy foods can be converted into sugar almost immediately because of the digestive process that begins in our mouths. The sugar might cause our enamel to decalcify leading to tooth decay.
Sports Drinks and Sodas
Sugary drinks like sports drinks and other carbonated beverages are bad for the teeth especially if consumed regularly. Soft drinks are loaded with phosphoric and citric acids that erode the enamel of the teeth. These beverages are also the leading source of added sugar in both children and adolescent diets. Sipping on a sugary beverage for hours is harmful because the high sugar content in drinks is bad for both our teeth and body.
Dried Fruits
Munching on dried fruits instead of fresh ones might also be harmful for the teeth because of the concentrated sugar content and stickiness they possess. Examples of dried fruits are dried prunes, raisins and apricots. Parts of them easily adhere to teeth and the sugar in them promotes bacteria growth in the mouth, leading to the erosion of tooth enamel.
If you are seeing signs of damaged teeth as a result of eating too much junk foods, consult Dr. Lean. D. Lean and his team can handle all types of oral conditions. It’s best to take care of your teeth now rather than later.
Helpful Resources

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.