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The Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Certain foods can be detrimental to your oral health. Any food or drinks that break down enamel can leave you vulnerable to tooth decay. Cut down of these foods or just be sure to rinse or floss after eating them to maintain good oral health.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are usually gummy and sugary. Their consistency makes it easy for them to get caught in between your teeth and in the groove of your molars. If left there, the sugar can eat away at your enamel and lead to tooth decay. Whenever possible, switch out dried fruit for fresh fruit for the benefit of your teeth.

Gummy Candies

Gummy candies are similar to dried fruit—gummy and sugary. The sticky consistency of gummy candies can be dangerous. When there are bits of your treat left behind in your mouth, they can be difficult to reach or even see. The candy left behind in between your teeth can harm them and lead to cavities.

Soda Pop

Carbonated drinks and sugary drinks are a double whammy. Soda coats your teeth in sugar, which means tooth decay. Even if you avoid the sugar with a diet soda, that still has its own kind of acid which can be just as dangerous for your teeth’s enamel. You don’t need to cut soda out of your diet entirely but limit your intake. It can also be helpful to rinse out your mouth with water after drinking soda—this will help to remove some of the residual acids.

Alcohol

It’s no surprise that alcohol isn’t good for your health. Alcohol is bad for your oral health because it dries out your mouth and reduces saliva production. Salvia is very good for your teeth—it prevents food from sticking in between your teeth, washes away food particles, and prevents dry mouth. If you are going to consume alcohol, be sure to increase your water intake to maintain hydration.

Bread

Breads and other starchy, chewy foods can be bad news for your teeth. When you chomp down on bread, the saliva in your mouth breaks down starches into sugar. Bread can leave behind a gummy paste that sticks in between the crevices of your teeth—leading to tooth decay. You don’t need to skip the bread altogether, but next time you’re craving crabs, maybe go for some less-refined carbs like whole wheat or multigrain. These options contain less sugar and are better for your oral health and overall health.

Acidic Foods

Certain acidic foods can erode enamel and cause damage to teeth. These acidic foods include citrus fruits and tomatoes. Eating these foods with other foods and in moderation can help to reduce their impact on your teeth.

No matter what food you’re eating, be sure to practice good oral health habits. Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using non-alcoholic mouth wash can help you to maintain your oral health. 

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