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Foods That Can Damage Your Teeth

Richview Family Dentistry wants you to know the dangers of some of the foods you eat or drinks you consume as it pertains to your oral health

Hard Candy

  • Constant exposure to the sugar in hard candy can be harmful to your teeth.
  • Biting down on hard candy can result in a dental emergency such as broken or chipped teeth.
  • Alternative: Chew sugarless gum that carries the ADA Seal.

Ice

  • Chewing on ice can damage the enamel of your teeth and can also break a tooth.
  • Alternative: Drink plain water.

Citrus

  • Frequent exposure to acidic food can erode the enamel of your teeth.
  • Citrus fruits can also irritate mouth sores.
  • Alternative: Drink plenty of water.

Coffee

  • Coffee and tea can be healthy beverages but too many people add sugar.
  • Coffee and tea can also stain your teeth.
  • If you do drink coffee and tea, make sure to also drink plenty of water and try to keep the added sugar to a minimum.

Sticky Foods

  • Dried fruit can be seen as a healthy snack, however, they are sticky and tend to stay on the teeth longer than other food.
  • Alternative: Be sure to rinse with water after eating dried fruit and brush and floss carefully.

Crunchy Snacks

  • Crunchy snacks like potato chips are filled with starch, which tends to get trapped in your teeth.
  • If you eat lots of crunchy foods, be sure to floss carefully to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.

Sodas

  • Sodas are loaded with sugar that produces acids that attack tooth enamel.
  • Even diet sodas are acidic and therefore can be bad for your teeth if you consume a lot of them.
  • Caffeinated sodas can also dry out your mouth.
  • Alternative: Drink a cup of water alongside each soda you consume.

Alcohol

  • Alcohol causes dehydration, dry mouth, and a reduction of saliva which can lead to tooth decay.
  • Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for mouth cancer.

Sports Drinks

  • They sound healthy but sugar is the top ingredient in sports and energy drinks.
  • Check the sugar content before downing any of these drinks.
  • Alternative: Water!

 

If it has been a while since your last check-up or if you’re new to the area and looking for a family dentist, give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!