If you want to maintain a healthy smile, you may want to avoid eating or drinking certain things that can cause advanced decay or wear on your teeth. Any dentist will tell you that your food and drink choices can adversely affect your oral health. Here are some things you should avoid:
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a good addition to your overall diet, but it’s not so great for your smile. Dried fruit is very sticky and sometimes contains extra sugar. The stickiness of the dried fruit allows that sugar to become adhered to your teeth for a long period of time. This can cause cavities as well as dental erosion. If you enjoy eating dried fruit from time to time, your dentist may recommend that you choose varieties that are low in sugar. Also, remember to brush immediately after eating it.
Citrus
Citrus fruit is a great source of vitamin C, but it is also very acidic. Acidic fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can cause you to lose tooth enamel, which cannot be reproduced. In addition to the breakdown of enamel, acidic fruits are higher in sugar. Too much sugar leads to tooth decay over time. It is still fine to enjoy citrus, but be sure to drink a glass of water afterward to flush the acid from your teeth.
Coffee
Coffee has some overall health benefits, but it can also cause damage to your teeth. Coffee and tea can easily stain your teeth. However, coffee can be very sticky, which allows other food particles to adhere to your teeth. This is especially true for coffee drinks that contain ingredients like cream, caramel, and other sticky items. If you enjoy drinking coffee, you dentist may recommend having it black from time to time. Be sure to limit sugary and sticky additions to your coffee.
Soda
The dentist is not usually a big fan of soda. Soda is full of sugar, which is terrible for your teeth. It is also full of acid that can break them down. It is even worse when you sip soda throughout the day. When you drink it all day long on a continual basis, you are allowing your teeth to remain in a constant bath of acid. If you must have soda every day, either drink it all at once or have it with a meal. This way, your teeth will be exposed for a shorter amount of time. Afterward, be sure to brush your teeth really well.
The food and beverages that you eat and drink can really wreak havoc on your teeth. Your dentist can provide you with an exhaustive list of things to avoid if you want to have a beautiful, healthy smile. You can have a bright, shiny smile by simply eating a healthful, teeth-friendly diet.
