Category Archives: foods to avoid

Avoid These Foods for Healthy Teeth

Your diet plays a large role in the health of your teeth.  Avoid these foods to keep your smile healthy and bright.  First on the list are sodas.  Sipping on sodas constantly feeds cavity bacteria.  The sugar and acid can destroy your enamel.   Other acidic and sugary drinks, like energy drinks, sports drinks and coffee and tea with sugar also damage teeth and feed harmful bacteria. Water is the best thing to drink throughout the day.

Don’t Chew Ice

Chewing ice can fracture teeth and dental work. For many, chewing ice is a habit. It’s one habit you should avoid.  Even though ice doesn’t contain sugar, it can still wear down your teeth and lead to expensive dental work.

A Warning About Sticky Foods

Many dried fruits are sticky and will hold sugar against your teeth for an extended period of time.  This increases your chance of getting cavities.  This might surprise you, but raisins can be worse for your teeth than chocolate.  If you like to snack on trail mix containing dried fruit, be sure to brush and floss after you eat.

Limit Citrus Intake

Lemon water or other citrus flavored water is refreshing, but it can lead to an increase in cavities.  Be mindful of your citrus intake and rinse with water after eating acidic fruits, such as oranges, limes, grapefruit and lemons.  The American Dental Association suggests you eat acidic foods as part of a meal instead of by themselves.  This includes tomatoes.

Hard Candy Danger

Hard candy is sticky and sugary.  This is awful for your teeth.  I’m talking about mints with sugar, lollipops and your other favorites in the candy aisle. Breath mints that contain sugar are no different than any other type of candy.  Therefore, select sugar free mints.

Avoid These Foods

Limit sweets in general.  What’s good for your body is also good for your teeth.  As you’ve heard before, everything in moderation.  As always, brush and floss to keep those teeth happy and healthy.

Checkups are Important

Regular visits to the dentist keep you aware of how your teeth are doing.  I recommend checkups twice a year.  This professional examination can identify problem areas and help form a checklist to achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums.  We are accepting new patients.  You can call us to schedule at 864-520-2942 or click here to request an appointment.