It’s important to make sure your favourite snacks aren’t doing any lasting damage
A dentist has warned that some everyday snacks and drinks could be doing more harm than most people realise. She has claimed there are six things she’ll never allow in her own kitchen.
What you eat and drink significantly affects your teeth. Dr Deepa Chopra, a dentist at Whites Dental, explained that while sugar is widely known to damage teeth, other foods and drinks may also quietly wear away at enamel, feed bacteria and even affect children’s development.
Knowing what to limit or avoid could help to prevent further long-lasting damage to teeth and oral health. Dr Chopra said: “Energy drinks may seem like a quick boost, but most contain high levels of sugar and acid that can wear down enamel and trigger sensitivity. Over time, this could lead to cavities and decay.” She added that drinking them through a straw, rinsing with water afterwards, and waiting before brushing could help reduce the impact.
Sweets are another obvious culprit. Dr Chopra explained: “Sugar could slowly dissolve the protective enamel on our teeth. When it reacts with plaque, it creates acid that may lead to cavities. If you do have a sweet tooth, fruit or a small amount of dark chocolate could be a safer option.”
Darker chocolate with a higher cocoa content may be less harmful than other versions, like milk or white chocolate, but it should still be enjoyed in moderation,” Dr Chopra said. But, the dental expert also warned that swapping your sweet snack for something savoury might not be as “harmless” as you think.
She said: “Crisps could look harmless, but the starch in them breaks down into sugar and may feed plaque. Because they cling to teeth, they are not easily washed away by saliva, which could cause a buildup and increase the risk of tooth decay.”
Orange juice made the list too. “Fruit juices such as orange juice may seem healthy, but they are often high in natural sugars and very acidic. That combination could erode enamel if sipped regularly throughout the day. It may be better to limit fruit juice to mealtimes and to drink water in between,” she advised.
Finally, she warned that processed ready meals may pose a hidden danger. Dr Chopra said: “These foods are often softer to chew, which may limit proper jaw development in children and could increase the risk of future oral health problems.
“Many are also high in additives and hidden sugars, which may raise the likelihood of decay if eaten too often.” Dr Chopra accepts that these meals and snacks could be part of a busy lifestyle – but stressed that moderation and awareness are key.
She added: “Limiting how often you consume them and maintaining good dental habits may protect your smile long term. Parents especially should be mindful of the hidden risks when feeding children.”
If you have toothache which lasts more than two days, see a dentist. They should be able to treat the cause of the pain and prevent any problems from getting worse.