Most of us have been told repeatedly to avoid sugary foods and drinks, such as soda or sports drinks, but did you know that nibbling on the ice in your soft drink is also bad for your teeth? Chewing on ice or other objects can cause fractures and other damage to your teeth. There are also many other foods and beverages that put your teeth in jeopardy for damage. Your dentist in Juno Beach reveals the top 5 worst foods for your teeth.
Alcohol
Just like soda, alcohol does its own damage to teeth by causing a dry mouth. Saliva is needed to wash away food debris and particles that could stick to teeth and cause plaque build up. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.
Dried Fruit
This may seem like a healthy snack choice, but dried fruit is one of the worst foods for your teeth because it’s sticky. Dried fruit can get stuck in the grooves of your teeth for long periods of time leaving sugar and plaque building acids stuck to your teeth. If you choose dried fruit as a snack, be sure to brush and floss your teeth immediately after.
Citrus
Citrus fruits also seem like a healthy alternative, however these fruits have a high acid content that erodes tooth enamel, which puts teeth at risk for decay and cavities. A rinse with water after consuming citrus fruits and juices can help reduce acid levels in your mouth.
Potato Chips
Who doesn’t enjoy the satisfying crunch of a potato chip? Your teeth suffer from this snack because the starches in the chips cause them to stick to your teeth and it’s eventually converted to sugars that promote tooth decay. Be sure to brush and floss after this snack.
Hard Candy
This seems obvious because of the sugar, right? True, but hard candy also has the same effect as chewing on ice. Besides the damage that sugar causes, chewing on hard candy may also crack and fracture your teeth. Best to avoid this one.
At Juno Beach Smiles, we understand that you’re not always going to make the smartest food and beverage choices, and that’s why Dr. Greg Riley and Dr. Duane Keuning specialize in restoring form and function to smiles that are in need of repair. We use only the highest quality dental materials so you can rest assured that your restoration will be one that you can trust and rely on for many years to come. If you’re looking for a dentist in North Palm Beach, schedule your appointment today and come see how we are different!