The foods you eat can have a large impact on your teeth and your oral health. Here are some foods to avoid or reduce for a healthy smile.
Starchy foods: potato chips and other starchy foods can stay on your teeth. If you choose to snack on these foods, be sure to floss extra-carefully in order to remove food particles, which can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Sports drinks and energy drinks are usually designed to provide calories and flavor. However, this usually mean a lot of sugar. In fact, sugar is the first ingredient in most sports and energy drinks! Next time, make sure your drink is low in sugar–or better yet, drink plain water.
Citrus is delicious when added to a glass of plain water. However, frequent exposure to the acids present in citrus can lead to tooth decay, as it wears away the enamel. This causes teeth to be more susceptible to deterioration. Next time, instead of reaching for a squeeze of lemon, try plain water instead. Additionally, if you have mouth sores, be careful of citrus fruit and juices, as they can irritate the sores.
Hard candy: Consistent exposure to sugar can damage your teeth. Additionally, hard candies could bring trouble, as they can trigger dental emergencies such as a chipped or cracked tooth.
Ice may seem innocuous, as it is only plain water with no additives. However, ice is designed for cooling off drinks, not for chewing! Crunching ice can leave teeth vulnerable to dental emergencies such as chipped or cracked teeth and damaged enamel.
While occasional indulgence can be fun, reducing these foods can help ensure happy, healthy teeth for years to come!