5 Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

Any of these drinks can be a tooth's worst nightmare

They say that diet soda is as bad for your teeth as a meth or cocaine addiction, but sodas aren't the only kind of drink that can seriously harm your pearly whites.

5 Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

Just because we brush our teeth every day (and sometimes floss), doesn’t mean certain drinks can’t still hurt them. The enamel (hard surface) protecting our tooth isn’t as tough as it looks; it’s actually quite prone to discoloration and wear. And sugar in drinks quickly turns into plaque that eats away at our teeth.

Most of us have heard that coffee and soda aren’t the best drinks for maintaining white teeth, but there are a few others, including tea, alcohol, and energy drinks, that can be a nightmare for your teeth as well, causing discoloration, cavities, and even gum disease. Over time, these drinks can wear away enamel, stain your teeth, and cause gum disease.

Coffee

The caffeine may wake you up, but the dark brown color of coffee can, over time, turn white teeth yellow if they’re not taken care of.

Tea

All teas, particularly black and other dark blends, have a staining effect similar to that of coffee.

 

Alcohol: Wine, Beer, Liquor

With its high sugar content, alcohol, including wine, beer, and liquor, can damage tooth enamel as well as cause gum disease. And if consumed frequently, wine — red wine in particular — and beer can stain teeth over time. 

Soda

High amounts of sugar combined with high levels of acidity, both of which make soda so tasty, can cause tooth enamel to wear over time, making teeth more vulnerable to staining and possibly leading to decay and cavities. 

Energy and Sports Drinks

Like soda, energy and sports drinks contain high levels of sugar and acidity, causing enamel to break down and a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities. 

The Only 15 Foods That Are Worth Buying Organic

In a perfect world, all food would be organic and we would all be able to afford it. Instead we're faced with awkward produce-aisle decisions every time we step foot into a grocery store — is this worth paying 50¢, $1, $5 more? What are the health implications, and is organic equally important across the board?

Let's get real here: most organic food has not been proven to be "better" for you, meaning it doesn't contain more nutrients or some magic cancer-fighting voodoo. So far, studies have been inconclusive about the effects of eating a diet rich in organic foods versus non-organic. But even skeptics can't argue with the principles of organic farming and food buying: no harmful chemicals and sustainable environmental practices.

Not everyone can afford to go full organic, and that's where the Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes in. The non-profit publishes research yearly based on the level of pesticides found in fruits and veggies, and ranks them from worst to best.

Below is a list of 15 food items using the EWG and other researchers' information that you should pony up for and go organic. Everything on this list is doubly important for kids and pregnant women. Finally, whenever possible, buy local.

1. Apples

If you're going to buy just one thing organic, make it apples. They consistently appear at the top of the EWG's offenders list, harboring a number of pesticides that traditional farmers use to keep pests and disease at bay. Most of the harmful stuff is contained in the skin, but it's also the healthiest part of the apple. Luckily, organic versus non-organic apples has one of the lowest price differences, so you won't be paying double for your peace of mind.

2. Baby Food

Many doctors think that babies are more susceptible to the potential negative health impacts of pesticides. When your baby begins to transition to solid food, it's a good idea to feed your child organic whenever possible. This is especially true for the fruits and vegetables on this list, since they tend to have more pesticide residue in the first place. To offset the increase in cost, consider buying in bulk.

3. Strawberries and Blueberries

Berries are sensitive and heavily exposed — they don't have a tough outer shell or skin to protect them. Because they grow largely unprotected, they are more susceptible to pests, and pesticides are often the solution. Note that according to the EWG, domestically-grown blueberries are more contaminated than international varieties.

4. Peaches and Nectarines

These delicious stone fruits have thin, edible skins and are naturally delicate, so they are typically sprayed with various poisons to keep them from molding and to keep away pests. Even if you peel your peaches or nectarines, traces of chemicals will remain. Some doctors suggest buying organic versions of these fruit is especially important if you are pregnant or have children.

5. Celery

Celery also scored high on EWG's list, with 13 chemicals detected in total. The crunchy veggie is porous and grows largely outside of the ground, so it absorbs chemicals easily. Next time you're at the market, reach for the organic option, along with a jar of…

6. Peanut Butter

If you have kids or just love peanut butter as much as a kid, then consider investing in organic peanut butter. It will be pesticide-free, plus most organic brands utilize a healthier recipe to boost the good-for-you-ness. It may take a few tries to find a brand you like and get your family on board, especially if they are used to the sugary, unnaturally smooth stuff, but it's worth it.

7. Potatoes

Considering the amount of potatoes an average American consumes, switching to organic spuds is a no-brainer. Even if you're scrubbing and peeling your potatoes, there's a very good chance they still contain potentially-harmful chemicals. The EWG found that the average potato had more pesticides by weight than any other food tested. So before mashing or frying or baking, shell out a few more cents for organic taters and put your mind at ease.

8. Milk

Traditional farming practices now include treating cows with hormones so that they will produce more milk. Unfortunately, we can't have our milk and drink it too. Some of these hormones are passed on to the consumer, and although we do not know the full impact, many people are choosing the precautionary route and switching their families to organic dairy. Look for rBGH-free on the label.

9. Greens

Delicate greens, including spinach, lettuce, kale, and collard greens all make it in the top 15 of EWG's list. Many highly toxic chemicals are permitted on leafy greens, and even chemicals that were banned in recent years can still be absorbed through the soil and show up in the plants. If you are a frequent salad eater, just go ahead and buy organic. The EWG recommends that kale and collard green lovers that don't buy organic should consider cooking before eating.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the only fruits or vegetables that has been proven to be more nutritious in organic form. According to a study, organic tomatoes have nearly double the concentration of two flavonoids, which are considered very healthful. Conventional tomatoes also made the EWG naughty list, so the choice seems clear: organic all the way.

11. Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers rank high on the list, as these colorful veggies tend to have surprising amounts of pesticides remaining on them. Go organic when you can, and when eating conventional bell peppers be sure to give them a nice, cold bath. Cooking also helps to reduce the amount of chemicals present.

12. Grapes

During the EWG's testing, they found a single grape with fifteen different pesticides present. Gross. Because they ripen quickly and end up attracting insects, grapes often get sprayed with a multitude of chemicals to keep them untouched and in perfect eating order. If you can't find organic or can't stomach the price tag, buy seasonally from a local source and give them a good wash.

13. Meat

The European Union has already banned the use of hormones in cattle, but the practice is still permitted in many other countries, including the U.S. These hormones can remain in the meat, and the potential health effects of ingesting them on a regular basis is not yet well studied. But buying organic meat is as much about the potential health risks of the growth hormones and antibiotics as it is about choosing the more humane option. Organic cattle are typically given more space, allowed to graze, and fed natural feed so that they can live a happy and healthy life before making it to the plate.

14. Cucumbers

Conventional varieties of this refreshing vegetable are typically treated with a petroleum-based wax to preserve freshness. This wax is also good at holding on to already present pesticides, and is impossible to completely wash off at home. Organic varieties omit this wax, making them a superior produce aisle choice. When eating the conventional version, be sure to wash and peel the cucumber — although this does not guarantee removal of all chemicals, and it removes some of the nutrients.

15. Hot Peppers

For those who indulge in spice on a regular basis, try to buy organic hot peppers whenever possible. Conventional hot peppers often have high levels of harmful pesticides, partly because a few especially nasty chemicals are permitted on peppers that aren't allowed on other common crops.

 

Your Mouthwash

People gargle mouthwash thinking it will get rid of bad breath, but that is the minty liquid’s least effective function.

Dentists say mouthwash and other rinses can be beneficial to overall oral health and an important part of daily oral hygiene routines but aren't essential.

Mouthwashes can be divided into two main categories: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic rinses reduce and help control bad breath and leave a pleasant taste in the mouth.

But, they don’t really deal with the actual cause of bad breath—they don’t kill the bacteria and they don’t chemically inactivate the compounds that cause bad breath.

Therapeutic rinses have more targeted functions and come both over-the-counter and by prescription. They can help reduce tooth plaque or gingivitis, inflammation of the gum which can lead to gum disease. They can also help neutralize the acidity of the mouth to lessen the decay process. They may hydrate individuals who suffer from dry mouth, and help soothe canker sores. Fluoride and xylitol rinses aid in cavity prevention.

The American Dental Association, a professional association of dentists, tests products and has a council on scientific affairs which evaluates products to determine if they are safe and effective. Those that pass the tests receive a seal, which can be found on the product. Currently, 128 mouthwashes have the seal.

The ADA has found just two products that satisfy claims they eliminate bad breath and neither are mouthwashes. They are toothpastes, said Clifford Whall, director of the seal of acceptance program at the Chicago-based ADA.

Some therapeutic rinses work by neutralizing the pH of the mouth. When the bacteria in our mouth consume carbohydrates and sugars, their metabolic waste is acid. The acid draws out the minerals, resulting in an acidic mouth that leads to tooth decay.

An important ingredient to look for in such rinses is xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol which certain bacteria are unable to metabolize. Xylitol stimulates salivary function due to its sweetness and taste and helps restore the mouth to a neutral level of acidity.

But some dentists recommend looking for alcohol-free mouthwashes because they can dry out the mouth. A dry mouth can end up encouraging bacterial activity, resulting in worse breath.

Alcohol is used as a preservative—to increase the shelf life of mouthwash—and as a carrier for flavor. The alcohol itself isn't the antiseptic. Rather, it dissolves essential oils (like menthol and eucalyptol) or active ingredients, which together have an antiseptic effect.

The therapeutic mouthwashes with the ADA seal currently have alcohol in them.

Your saliva is more than adequate to keep the mouth moist. It might be an issue for people who have dry mouth, as alcohol could irritate their mouth.

Studies have found an association between the alcohol in mouth rinses and oral cancer.

But some experts say such evidence is weak. “The association between mouthwash and oral cancers is not strong,” said Mumtaz Khan, a head and neck cancer surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. “I personally do not tell my patients not to use mouthwash.”

Fluoride rinses typically don't contain alcohol and can usually be used by children age 6 and above. Before that age manufacturers and dentists don’t recommend them because children may swallow the fluid.

But fluoride rinses are only important for individuals who are prone to cavities. If you’ve had one or more new cavities in the last year then you should have some kind of additional fluoride.

Dentists warn that individuals who find that they need to use mouthwash excessively for bad breath may have an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

There are a lot of things that can cause bad breath that aren't going to be remedied by mouthwash—cosmetic or therapeutic. Deep cavities, untreated periodontal or gum disease, infections of the gum and bone, can all cause breath to be incredibly strong.

Using mouthwash before or after you brush and floss makes a difference but Mouthwash isn't a substitution for floss and brush.

10 Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

1) Strawberries They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal—salads, desserts, cereal—and are widely available at farmers markets this time of year, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.

2) Seeds and nuts Chewing these lightly abrasive, hard foods rubs plaque and stains off the surface of teeth Pop a few almonds for a mid-afternoon snack—they're full of protein, healthy fats, and the crunch you need to get pearly whites.

3) Apples The loud crunch you hear when you bite into this hard fruit may be annoying, but it's also good for your choppers. Apples' crispiness strengthens gums, and their high water content increases saliva production, dispersing and neutralizing colonies of bacteria that lead to bad breath and plaque.

4) Celery and carrots The same high water content that makes these veggies great for your waistline and your health also helps them whiten your teeth by stimulating saliva production, which aids in washing away food debris and strengthening gums.

5) Broccoli Unlike beets and cranberries, this crunchy vegetable doesn't stay stuck to teeth, so it won't cause unsightly surface stains. Throw some raw broccoli into your lunch—the florets will scrub the surface of teeth, giving them a brief and natural midday brush.

6) Cheese Hard cheese, like the little blocks you get on those delicious appetizer trays, is full of calcium, which strengthens teeth and gums. Plus, most cheeses are near colorless, meaning they won't stain your teeth. So go ahead, order that cheese plate.

7) Oranges This bright fruit contains citrus, an acid that can wear away tooth enamel if ingested in large doses, making teeth whiter—but at a cost. So while we don't recommend gulping down bags of oranges in the spirit of a bright smile, a juicy helping once in a while is good for your pearly whites, and thanks to loads of vitamin C, your overall health too.

8) Water Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your smile brightl, we recommend sipping and swishing between glasses of wine and when eating dark, pigmented foods to prevent staining. However, while water reduces the acidity in your mouth and the resulting damage to your enamel, we have to warn against imbibing too much sparkling water, which has greater potential to erode enamel and harm teeth.

9) Pears we recommend munching on a pear to neutralize pesky odor-causing and staining bacteria colonies on teeth. Increased saliva production brought on by this sweet, delicious fruit also washes away food debris, leaving teeth clean and sparkling.

10) Milk and yogurt These dairy products are teeth superfoods. Their high calcium content strengthens teeth, making enamel healthier and whiter. But be warned: Not all calcium-rich foods—like spinach with its dark, stain-causing pigmentation—have the same effect. Chow down on a high-protein Greek yogurt for a snack, or pair after-dinner cookies with a cold glass of milk to get that gleam.

 

10 Habits That Wreck Your Teeth

Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.

Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

Grinding Teeth

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear teeth down over time. It is most often caused by stress and sleeping habits. This makes it hard to control. Avoiding hard foods during the day can reduce pain and damage from this habit. Wearing a mouth guard at night can prevent the damage caused by grinding while sleeping.

Soda

Candy isn't the only culprit when it comes to added sugar. Sodas can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but they may have even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners.

Opening Stuff With Your Teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

Sports Drinks

There's no doubt a cold sports drink is refreshing after a good workout. But these drinks are usually high in sugar. Like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to decay. A better way to stay hydrated at the gym is to chug sugar-free, calorie-free water.

Constant Snacking

Snacking produces less saliva than a meal, leaving food bits in your teeth for hours longer. Avoid snacking too frequently, and stick to snacks that are low in sugar and starch -- for example, carrot sticks.

Smoking

Cigarettes, as well as other tobacco products, can stain teeth and cause them to fall out as a result of gum disease. Tobacco can also cause cancer of the mouth, lips, and tongue. If you were looking for one more reason to quit, think of your smile.

Binge Eating

Binge eating often involves excessive amounts of sweets, which can lead to tooth decay. Binging and purging (bulimia nervosa) can do even more damage to dental health. The strong acids found in vomit can erode teeth, making them brittle and weak. These acids also cause bad breath. Bulimia can lead to a variety of serious health problems, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you have been purging.

16 Unexpected Ways to Add Years to Your Life

The average American’s life expectancy is 78.7 years. Whether you reach that age—or better yet, exceed it—largely depends on your genes, but there are also many keys to longevity that are totally within your control. Some you probably already know about, like following a nutritious diet, exercising often, staying away from cigarettes, and maintaining a healthy weight. Other habits are a little less obvious. Read on for some surprising habits and lifestyle choices that could add years to your life.

Adopt a furry friend

Your four-legged companion may be helping you live a longer life, according to a review published in the journal Circulation. Researchers believe owning a dog might keep the owner more active and, as a result, lowers the risk of heart disease.

“Dog owners are who walk their dogs are more likely to meet recommendations for daily physical activity (150 minutes weekly),” says Eric A. Goedereis, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Webster University in St. Louis, MO. Owning a pet also reduces stress, which may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, he adds.

Have more sex

A roll in the hay may be the most pleasant way to extend your life. Several studies suggest there is a link between more orgasms and longevity. In a 1997 study, men who had more orgasms were less likely to die of heart disease than those who had less. While the study can’t prove cause and effect (maybe healthier people are more likely to have sex), sex can be beneficial for health. “Of course sex feels good, but it also gives us the opportunity to work out nearly every muscle in the body and connect with another person,” says Goedereis. “Sex has also been shown to boost the body’s immune response, reduce stress, and even control one’s appetite, among other things.” Two to three orgasms a week yields best benefits. Doctor’s orders.

Floss every day

Daily flossing not only gets rid of food trapped between your teeth but also removes the film of bacteria that forms before it has a chance to harden into plaque—something your toothbrush cannot do. Periodontal disease from lack of flossing can trigger low-grade inflammation, which increases the risk of early heart attack and stroke. Numerous studies link oral bacteria to cardiovascular disease. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day.

Have a positive attitude

Think being mean and ornery is what it takes to live to 100? That’s what scientists at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine in the Bronx, New York thought until they studied 243 centenarians. When the researchers assessed their personalities, they discovered that most had a positive outlook on life, and were generally easygoing, optimistic, and full of laughter.

If nothing else, try to laugh more often—go to comedy shows, take occasional breaks at work to watch silly videos on YouTube, or spend time with people who make you smile. “Laughter helps decrease blood pressure, reduce blood sugars, dull pain, and lower stress, all of which can make your body healthier,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, psychologist and author of Better than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love.

Be social

Going to the movies or out for coffee with friends may help all of you grow old together. An analysis by Brigham Young University looked at data from 148 studies and found a clear connection between social ties and lifespan. “People with stronger social relationships have a 50% greater chance of continued living as compared to those with weaker relationships,” says Lombardo. “Loneliness can also compromise your immune system, making it harder to fight off disease.”

Go nuts

Snack on cashews, sprinkle chopped walnuts on your salad, stir almonds into your yogurt—however you eat them, it may be helpful. People who ate nuts several times a week had a reduced mortality risk compared with those who ate nuts less frequently (or at all), according to a 2013 New England Journal of Medicine study.

Nuts are high in antioxidants, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids, and they help lower your risk of heart disease. “They are known to possibly improve certain risk factors for diabetes as well,” says Keri Gans, RD, a New York-based nutrition consultant. As a healthy but high-calorie snack, limit portion sizes to 1 ounce, or about 20 nuts.

Find your purpose

Regardless of your age, finding purpose in life may help you live long enough to make a difference. In a study of 6,000 people, researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York found that people who had a greater sense of purpose were less likely to die during the 14-year study than those who were less focused on a goal. “People who have a sense of purpose in their lives may be more likely to take steps to be healthier,” says Lombardo. To develop a sense of purpose, focus on the positive impact you are making at work or at home instead of getting caught up with every little detail being perfect, she suggests.

Start your mornings with coffee

Sipping a mug of coffee not only jumpstarts your day, but your longevity as well. Studies show coffee reduces the risk of a number of chronic diseases. “Drinking coffee may decrease your risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Gans. Just go easy: too much caffeine can trigger anxiety and insomnia, or interfere with calcium absorption. And hold the whipped toppings like syrups and cream to avoid canceling out the health benefits.

Snooze soundly

Quality of sleep also plays in role in how long you may live. Multiple studies have linked sleep deprivation with an increased risk of death, and other research has shown that a lack of shuteye may raise risk of type 2 diabetes. “Some people may need more or less sleep than others, but research suggests that seven hours is probably enough,” says Goedereis. To sleep soundly, establish a nighttime routine and stick to a schedule, even on weekends.

See the glass as half full

An Illinois study found clear evidence that happy people experience better health and live longer than their unhappy peers. “Depression, pessimism, and stress predict shorter lifespans,” says Lombardo. “These mental states tend to cause a stress reaction within the body, which can weaken the immune system. Happiness, on the other hand, tends to result in less stress hormones.” Take time to experience gratitude every day. “It’s one of the quickest and longest-lasting ways to boost happiness,” she adds.

Ditch soda

Even if you’re not overweight, drinking soda may be shortening your lifespan, according to a study in the American Journal of Public Health. The five-year study found a link between soda intake and shortening of the telomeres, which are caps on the ends of chromosomes directly linked to aging. Telomeres shorten each time a cell divides and are thought to be an aging “clock.” This study did not find the same link with diet soda, but other research has associated heavy diet soda drinking to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and depression—all potential life-shorteners.

Have a little bit of wine every day

Drinking a little less than one glass of wine a day is linked to a lower rate of cardiovascular death from all causes when compared to abstaining from all alcohol, according to a Dutch study. Researchers found that light alcohol consumption resulted in longer life expectancy at age 50. Drinking less than or equal to 20 grams per day of alcohol (that’s a little less than a serving of beer, wine, or spirits) was associated with a 36% lower risk of all causes of death and a 34% lower risk of cardiovascular death. And sorry, beer and cocktail fans: the same results were not found with light-to-moderate alcohol intake of other types.

Run 5 minutes a day

No need to run for an hour a day to reap the life-lengthening benefits. A new study shows running just 5 to 10 minutes a day increases your life expectancy by reducing the risk of death from heart disease by 58% and dropping the overall risk of death by 28%. It holds true even if you’re a slowpoke. Those who ran at less than 6 miles per hour only once or twice a week experienced clear benefits, the researchers reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Researchers credit better lung and heart function with the extended lifespan. Consistency works best, however: Exercisers who ran regularly for an average of six years reaped the greatest benefits.

Eat lots of fish

A diet heavy in omega-3-rich foods may add years to your life, says a study from the Annals of Internal Medicine. In the study of more than 2,600 adults, those with the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids—found in salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, and lake trout—lived more than two years longer on average than those with lower blood levels. The study didn’t prove that being a fish-eater increases longevity, but suggests a connection. Researchers found that people with high omega-3 levels reduced their overall risk of death by any cause by up to 27% compared to those with the lowest levels, and that they had a 35% lower risk of dying from heart disease. Experts recommend at least two 3.5-ounce servings of fish a week.

Stop sitting so much

Simply stand up more during the day and you’ll boost your longevity by increasing the length of your telomeres, according to a study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study measured the effects of sitting time and physical activity among 49 sedentary, overweight participants. Researchers found increased telomere length—end caps of chromosomes that link directly to longevity—in the red blood cells of individuals participating in a 6-month physical activity intervention.

Volunteer

Helping others not only feels good, it may help you live longer, too. A review of data from 40 published papers found a 20% lower risk of death than non-volunteers. The findings, published in the journal BMC Public Health, found that those who volunteered experienced lower levels of depression, better life satisfaction, and overall enhanced wellbeing. Another study found that retirees who volunteered at least 200 hours in the prior year were less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-volunteers, lowering their risk of heart disease. Lend a hand for a win-win result.

 

5 Surprising Ways You're Destroying Your Teeth

Protect your pearly whites from these unexpected dental wreckers

When it comes to cavities, there are the usual suspects to blame: soda, sugar, shoddy brushing. But other chomper wreckers may fill your daily routine, too. Keep reading for 5 unexpected dental culprits—and the best ways to stop them.

Cardio

Long cardio workouts may take a toll on your pearly whites, a new German study found. The researchers compared the oral health of endurance athletes with non-exercisers and found that the athletes were more likely to have tooth erosion, which is a gradual wearing away of enamel. And the more time they spent training per week, the greater their risk of cavities.

That's because exercise reduces your saliva, the researchers found. Saliva is filled with minerals that nurture your teeth and neutralize acids that cause wear and rot. On top of that, consuming sugary energy gels and acidic sports drinks during training can encourage tooth decay, says Men's Health dentistry advisor Mark S. Wolff, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Your fix: Since you have less saliva during long training sessions, battle decay-causing bacteria and plaque by brushing before you exercise and rinsing your mouth with water after consuming anything sugary or acidic, Wolff says. Plus, chewing sugar-free gum when you work out can boost your saliva production, says study author Cornelia Frese, D.D.S., a senior dentist at University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany. 

Weight Lifting

It's a natural tendency to clench your jaw when you strain to lift weights, Wolff says. It may even improve performance by increasing blood flow to parts of your brain associated with motor control, recent research finds. But all that pressure can wear down your teeth or even crack them, causing persistent pain in your jaw, he says.

Your fix: If you bite down hard when you exert yourself in the gym, consider wearing a mouthguard, Wolff says. Inexpensive "boil-and-bite" mouth guards are effective and easy to find at drugstores or sporting goods stores, he says.  Or your dentist can make you a custom one, which will fit better, he says.

 

Medications

Hundreds of medications for allergies, depression, heart health, and blood pressure cause dry mouth. That may not sound like a major side effect, but it can wreak havoc on your teeth, since they need saliva to protect against acids that cause decay and erosion, says Edmond Hewlett, D.D.S., an American Dental Association advisor and professor at the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry.

"When you don't have an adequate saliva supply, your teeth can undergo catastrophic damage in a matter of months,” he says.  

Your fix: Chewing on sugar-free gum and sucking on sugar-free hard candy throughout the day will help stimulate saliva production, Hewlett says. Stay away from sugary and acidic foods that encourage decay and erosion, he says. Eating that stuff will exacerbate the problem.

Heartburn

Sure, the chest pain sucks, but did you know that acid reflux can do permanent damage to your teeth, too? The acid from your digestive system can wind up in your mouth, dissolving your enamel just like the acid from soda or sports drinks. This acid, however, can be even more potent, Hewlett says. 

Your fix: If your dentist finds erosion on the teeth located at the back of your mouth, acid reflux is most likely the culprit, Hewlett says. Ask your physician how to tackle your heartburn, Hewlett says. A prescription medication may be the best solution

Meal-Time Brushing

Brushing after eating acidic foods—like juice, fruit, sports drinks, red wine, and soda—can weaken enamel, Wolff says. That may lead to yellowing and greater odds of cracks and chips.  

Your fix: Swish with water to rinse away the acid and wait 40 minutes for the calcium in your saliva to remineralize weakened areas. Then brush.