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Good oral hygiene means brushing your teeth and making sure to avoid foods that could seriously damage your smile. Eating foods high in sugar and certain acids can cause cavities, break down of tooth enamel, and gum disease. Dr. Troyan at Royal Dental Care wants to make sure that you and your family keep your teeth healthy and strong by letting you know what foods to avoid, or at least consume in moderation.
5 Foods Terrible For Your Teeth
Many people don’t consider the foods they are eating as a contributor to their oral health. Even with brushing and flossing your teeth can still be vulnerable and damaged by the food you are eating. A few of the worst foods for your smile include:
Ice Cubes
Chewing on ice cubes can be extremely harsh on your teeth. A rapid change in temperature, as well as the hard surface of ice, can cause cracks and fractures in your teeth. To keep your teeth healthy enjoy water in its liquid form to make sure an emergency trip to the dentist won’t put a damper on your day.
Citrus
The high acidity in citrus fruits make them a poor choice when thinking about protecting your smile. Consuming too much can damage the enamel on your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay over time. While it may be tempting to add a squeeze of lemon or lime to your water, do so in moderation and make sure to drink plenty of plain water as well.
Soda
Sipping on soda over time exposes your teeth to sugar for a prolonged period of time. These sugars combined with plaque create acid that damage the enamel. Carbonated beverages can also dry out your mouth, so make sure to drink a glass of water along with your soda if you choose to indulge.
Sports Drinks
Staying hydrated while working out is important but be wary of the high sugar levels as many sports drinks are packed with sugar. Check the labels and if you are concerned, opt for water over a sports drink.
Alcohol
Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth, leaving your mouth vulnerable to infection and tooth decay. If you are going to be drinking make sure to drink plenty of water, brush your teeth, and rinse with mouthwash.
Contact Dr. Troyan Today!
Keep your smile healthy and strong by being aware of how the foods you eat are damaging your smile. Having routine cleanings from your Hoffman Estates dentist can also help keep your teeth healthy. Contact Dr. Troyan for an appointment today!