It's not just sugar that wages war on our teeth but acid. Found in fizzy drinks and wine - which we know to limit - other culprits include healthy fruits, veggies and juices. Ironic, eh?
Despite natural juices being nutrient dense and good for us, especially when they have a higher veg to fruit ratio, they can cause cavities and yellowing on the protective layer of our teeth. To limit the damage, brush up on your options below:
Stubborn surface stains
While the high sugar content in fruit juices can contribute to teeth decay, the chlorophyll (a green photosynthetic pigment) in green tea and veggie juices can leave them visibly stained. But don't swap back to your equally offensive regular tea and coffee; just be savvy how you sip.
Dr Flora Chigwedere from the Covent Garden Dental Spa says start drinking your juices through straws, "this will help reduce direct contact with the teeth", and to be environmentally-friendly try a reusable glass straw. Etsy and Amazon stock them.
Next, remember to chase all your colourful drinks with water to dilute stains that are instantly forming. This will also "help to restore your mouth to a neutral pH", Dr Flora adds.
Another preventative measure is to floss more. Your dentist isn't just saying it because it's good for your gum health: flossing actually prevents and reduces dark stains between your teeth which makes your overall smile much brighter.
Early enamel erosion
Enamel erosion might not look like it's ruining your teeth yet, but Dr. David Tharme Jones of The London Smile Clinic says it's usually a slow process. "Many of my patients think they are taking good care of their teeth and smile but are unaware of this invisible process causing the softening of the enamel which can lead to long term enamel loss that is irreversible." Eek!
The erosion is caused by acid attack. "Every time you eat and drink something acidic, the enamel softens and the surface demineralises", Dr. David explains. The bad news is your typical whitening toothpastes - on hand to help shift your surface stains - could cause the enamel to wear away once it's softened from the likes of acidic drinks.
While your saliva is capable of 'remineralizing' your tooth enamel to an extent, he recommends using the Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste (£10) and Boosting Serum (£30) sold at Boots and Selfridges. The game-changing dental care system can not only rebuild enamel mineral but restore whiteness and strengthen against cavities.
Other ways to avoid wear and tear to your enamel include switching to an electric toothbrush which require less pressure yet promise a more effective clean, and waiting 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating and drinking.