Don’t Ruin Your Smile: Foods to Avoid for Healthy Teeth

Eating healthy is one of the best things you can do for your body, including your teeth. While some foods are beneficial for strengthening your teeth, there are certain types of foods that can be detrimental to oral health, and these dentists in Chicago will tell you all about them.

Sugary and Sticky Foods: Sugars and starches found in candy, cakes, cookies, fruit juices, soda, and other sweet treats are some of the worst culprits when it comes to dental decay. The sugars interact with bacteria that’s already present in your mouth to create an acid that eats away at tooth enamel and leads to cavities.

Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits contain high levels of acidity that can erode tooth enamel. It’s best to enjoy these fruits in moderation and drink plenty of water after consuming them to help wash away the acid.

Ice: Chewing on ice is never a good idea as it can severely damage your teeth and even cause chips or cracks in the enamel.

Hard Foods: While it’s important to maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing regularly, eating hard foods can also cause some damage. Eating crunchy things like chips, nuts, or popcorn can wear away enamel over time.

Starchy Foods: Starchy foods such as crackers, potatoes, and bread break down into sugar in the mouth, which can be just as bad for your teeth as eating sugary treats.

By avoiding these types of food, you can keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Of course, regular brushing and flossing and visiting dentists in Chicago are also essential to good oral health.