The 5 Foods Cosmetic Dentists Say You Should Avoid

14 Nov  The 5 Foods Cosmetic Dentists Say You Should Avoid

As we all know, many of our favorite foods are usually the most unhealthy ones. At Brookside Dental, we do not want to shy you away from eating or drinking the food you want but would like you to be more mindful of your dietary choices and practice good oral hygiene to protect your teeth. Here are five foods you should avoid recommended to you by cosmetic dentists to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. 

Candy

We all have a sweet tooth, but unfortunately, most types of candy can do damage to your teeth. Hard candy like Jolly Ranchers or Jawbreakers are not safe to chew on, since they can crack or even break your teeth. Sticky candy like caramel and gummies can stay on your teeth even after brushing or flossing, leading to further tooth decay. 

Sour candy like Warheads or Sour Patch Kids contains harmful acids that can strip the enamel on your teeth away. Enamel is the outer coating on your teeth that protects the tooth crown from cavities and other damage. It is actually the hardest substance in your body but can be slowly eroded by plaque buildup or acidic food. If you like sweets, your cosmetic dentist may recommend sticking to a bar of chocolate, since it can be easily chewed and washed away after eating.

Soda

All sodas, diet or not, are bad for your teeth. Studies show that carbonated sodas can damage your teeth in a number of ways. First, the coloring of the soda can stain your teeth, taking away their natural whiteness. Additionally, they are packed with loads of sugars and acidic substances, contributing to enamel loss and tooth decay. Cosmetic dentists recommend drinking carbonated water instead of using a straw when you drink soda to avoid as much contact with your teeth as possible. You should also refrain from brushing your teeth until about 30 minutes after drinking a soda since the added friction can further contribute to tooth erosion. 

Alcohol

Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks can hurt your teeth in a couple of ways. Both beer, red, and white wine contain acids that can soften your enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay. They also contain tannins which are responsible for staining your teeth. Alcohol in general can contribute to dry mouth, which is essential for oral health. Saliva prevents food from sticking to your teeth and gums, reduces infections in the mouth and throat, and can even help heal oral wounds. 

Acidic Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are very tasty, but they are about as acidic as some sour candy. Tomatoes may not be as acidic, but they are a fruit that many people might not realize damages your teeth. Cosmetic dentists understand most of us eat these fruits quite frequently, but we recommend enjoying them in moderation and/or rinsing your mouth afterward. 

Starchy Food

Starchy foods such as potato chips or soft bread are known to get stuck in teeth. When we eat these foods, the starches break down into sugar that can get stuck on our teeth and promote plaque buildup. Cosmetic dentists recommend flossing and washing your mouth immediately after enjoying these to remove any trapped food. 

Improve Your Smile at Brookside Dental Arts
To protect your teeth, it’s important to adopt good oral hygiene habits, which include visiting your cosmetic dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Brookside Dental offers the best and most affordable dental care in Pennington, NJ. Give us a call at (609) 737-7662 to schedule your next appointment.