The 6 Worst Foods for Your Teeth

foods-avoidSince we were kids we’ve heard the same guidelines for a healthy mouth over and over again: brush twice a day, floss often, go to the dentist, drink your milk, rinse with mouthwash, etc. What a lot of people don’t realize, however, is that something as small as jellybean or as simple as a cracker could be standing in between you and the beautiful smile you desire. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we have compiled a list of the 6 worst food and drinks for your teeth and provided some simple switches to keep your smile clean, healthy, and attractive.

Soda– On average, soda contains more than 35g of sugar ready to surround your teeth and break down your enamel. Even diet sodas, because of their acidity, can cause some serious tooth erosion. Rather than slurping down a can full of cavities, try switching to water flavored with fresh fruit and on occasion, juices with no added sugar.

Sticky Candy– Lollipops, gummy bears, caramels, and the list goes on. Sugary, chewy candies hit your teeth with a double-punch as the sugar eats away at your teeth’s enamel and then stays hidden until you brush and floss, doing even more damage. If you have a serious sweet tooth that won’t go away, chocolate is one of the better options because it tends to rinse away easily with saliva and water.

High-Sugar Breads and Crackers– Oftentimes people forget that breads and crackers are carbohydrates and still contain sugar. What’s worse is that when you chew these starches, the sugars condense into those sticky, sugary lumps that can hide in your teeth and wear away at your enamel. When choosing breads, make sure you look for options with low-sugar and pair your sandwich or snack with a tall glass of water to wash away crumbs.

Alcohol– We all know that large doses of alcohol aren’t good for our overall health, but have you ever considered the impact alcohol has on your teeth? Alcohol, just like prescription drugs, can dry out your mouth. When your mouth isn’t able to create saliva, bacteria and food are able to stay in your teeth longer, potentially leading to gingivitis. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you are pairing it with lots of water to prevent staining and dry mouth.

Dried Fruit– Fruit is healthy though, right? Yes, for the most part, but when you dry and condense all of that sugar into a sticky treat, it is almost as bad as candy. Sugar from chewy fruit snacks can hide between your teeth and stay there. When you are looking for a sweet snack, opt for fresh fruit rather than the dried stuff.

Coffee and Tea– So good, yet so bad for your teeth. Not only do coffee and tea stain your teeth significantly, but the acidity can also damage your enamel. When drinking the two beverages, try adding milk or cream to lessen staining and pair with water to continually rinse out your mouth.

Although these foods can cause some serious damage to your teeth, it is important to remember that they are okay in moderation. Don’t deny yourself the foods you love, just make sure to brush well, drink lots of water, and limit the amount you consume. For more information about our boston dentist’s office and cosmetic dentistry in Boston, visit our website today!

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