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Foods That Can Damage Your Teeth

August 11, 2015

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help your teeth stay strong for years to come. But have you thought about which foods around good for your teeth? Well that’s what we’re here for. We are going to show you some foods you should avoid that can help prevent dental problems from occurring in the future.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits and juices are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, essential for a balanced diet, are not foods your teeth necessarily will benefit from. The acid in these foods can erode the enamel in your teeth slowly over time. Orange juice will generally cause the least amount of erosion and can be beneficial for your teeth when fortified with calcium.

Candy

Chewy or sticky candies like caramel or taffy tend to stick to teeth for a long time, giving bacteria the opportunity to grow from the sugar. This bacterium causes the sugars from the candy to turn into acid, which dissolves tooth enamel that later cause cavities. Hard candies will have the same effect, but may also cause your teeth to chip if you bite down on the candy the wrong way.

Crackers and chips

Crackers and chips are great snacking foods but consist of refined carbohydrates that are easily converted into sugar once in your mouth, providing an excellent environment for cavities to form. Both of these foods, after broken down in your mouth, tend to build up in the cracks and crevices of your teeth, making it hard to clean out.

All of these foods, if treated in moderation, aren’t typically going to give you long-term problems. After you eat any of these foods, practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth. Give our office a call today at [phone] to schedule your teeth cleaning appointment.