Hard candies
Chewing on hard candies can lead to a dental emergency such as a broken or chipped tooth. And sucking on hard candies is a constant exposure of sugar to your teeth. For an alternative, chew a sugarless gum.
Chewing Ice
Ice on it doesn’t contain any sugar or other additives. But chewing on hard things can damage enamel and lead to a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth.
Citrus
The truth is that frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. Citric fruits and juices can also irritate mouth sores. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water after drinking acidic beverages.
Coffee and tea
In their natural form, coffee and tea can be healthy beverage choices. But most people drink them with added sugar. Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out your mouth. Frequent drinks of coffee and tea may also stain your teeth. If you do consume, make sure to drink plenty of water and try to keep sugar to a minimum.
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are at the top of the list of healthy snacks. But many dried fruits are sticky. Sticky foods can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating dried fruits or trail mix often, make sure to rinse with water after and to brush and floss carefully.
Potato chips
Potato chips are filled with starch, which tends to get trapped in your teeth. After indulging in some potato chips, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.
Soda
When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth. Caffeinated beverages, such as colas can also dry out your mouth. If you do consume soft drinks, try to drink alongside water.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic, it can cause dehydration and dry mouth. People who drink excessively may find their saliva flow is reduced over time, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections such as gum disease. Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for mouth cancer.
Sports drinks
Sugar is a top ingredient for many sports and energy drinks. Check the label to make sure your drink of choice is low in sugar or drink water.
Brian Y. Kuo DDS FAGD
(626) 800-8022
🍭 Make sure to drink water, brush, floss, and visit your dentist to prevent cavities!