Is Spicy Food Bad For Your Teeth?

The answer in general is no, there is nothing about spicy food in general that is bad for your teeth. That means you don’t have to feel guilty about munching on some spicy buffalo hot wings at Heavenly Buffaloes after leaving your appointment at our dentist office in Durham. Although some spicy food may be so hot that you would swear your tongue and teeth were burning or melting, the capsaicin that gives the food its spice is not explicitly harmful for your teeth. In fact, the capsaicin in hot peppers can actually function as a pain reliever.

While spicy food, and the capsaicin that gives it the hot spice you crave, are not explicitly bad for your teeth, that does not mean you should not be cautious. For example, spicy foods can cause acid reflux in many people, which can erode tooth enamel. Your teeth are very sensitive to acidity, and the stomach acid that comes up thanks to acid reflux is very acidic and dangerous to your teeth. If you know that spicy food causes acid reflux for you, it may be wise to avoid spicy food when possible.

Some spicy foods also contain ingredients which can stain or discolor your teeth. For example, a lot of types of curry contain Turmeric. While part of what makes curry delicious, turmeric can stain or discolor your teeth if you eat it too often. This doesn’t mean you can’t eat turmeric at all, as it does have some possible health benefits. However, if you want to keep your teeth as white as possible, it might be best to limit how much turmeric is in your diet.

Have questions about what foods can damage or stain your teeth? Feel free to contact us here online or speak to one of our dentists at your next appointment about what foods are good and bad for your dental health.