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Is it bad for my teeth?
Search the foods and drinks you have every day, from karak and gahwa to dates and energy drinks, and see what they do to your teeth and how to enjoy them more safely.
It’s not only sweets
Three things in food and drink affect your teeth: sugar, which feeds the bacteria that cause decay; acid, which softens and wears enamel; and colour, which stains. Some everyday drinks, like sweet karak tea or a soft drink, combine two or three at once.
Tap the items you have on a normal day. The checker rates each one and gives you a summary of your day, with small changes that make a big difference.
How to protect your teeth without giving up what you love
Keep sugar to mealtimes
Every sugary snack or sip starts a new acid attack. Three sugary meals are kinder than sipping a sweet drink all afternoon.
Rinse with water
A glass of water after karak, juice or sweets washes away sugar and acid.
Wait before brushing
After acidic food or drinks, wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing.
Use a straw
For juice and soft drinks, a straw keeps more of the drink away from your front teeth.
Finish with cheese or nuts
They help neutralise acid after a meal.
Chew sugar-free gum
10 to 20 minutes after eating boosts saliva, your mouth’s natural protection.
Eating well in the UAE
Sweet tea, dates, juices and desserts are part of daily life here, and during Ramadan iftar often brings several sugary drinks in one evening. You do not need to give them up. Having them with meals, drinking water between and brushing well at night protects your teeth.
Read our Ramadan dental care guide and how to deal with stained teeth.
Kindest snacks for teeth
- Cheese and plain laban
- Nuts
- Crunchy vegetables
- Fresh fruit with a meal
- Water or unsweetened tea
Food and teeth questions
Is karak tea bad for my teeth?
Are dates bad for teeth?
Are diet soft drinks safe for teeth?
Is fruit juice better than soda?
What is the best drink for teeth?
Worried about stains or decay?
A check-up and cleaning shows where you stand. Consultation and X-ray are free.
From our team
Written by the dental team at Al Jazeera Dental Clinic, a family clinic on Al Khan Street, Al Majaz 3, Sharjah, seeing patients since 1998, and medically reviewed by Dr Ranjeet Kumar, Medical Director (BDS, Diploma in Endodontics), October 2026. General advice only. For your own teeth, book a check-up: the consultation and X-ray are free.