5 Foods That Are Destroying Your Teeth

Caring for your teeth involves more than just brushing and flossing. What you eat and drink is equally as important as how you clean your mouth on a regular basis. Keep your teeth beautiful and white by avoiding these 5 foods and visiting your Fairbanks dentist on a regular basis.

• Starchy chips and crackers. Chips, crackers, and other savory crunchy snacks are your teeth’s worst enemy. Starches tend to get stuck in your teeth and become difficult to remove. Over time, these starches turn into sugars that sit on your teeth and wreak havoc on your oral health. Do your best to avoid crunchy starches and clean your teeth regularly.
• Dried fruit. It’s important to choose healthy snacks for you and your family. However, try to avoid dry fruit as much as possible. Because dried fruits are sticky, they get stuck in the crevices of your teeth and are difficult to remove. The longer that the sugar from the fruit stays on your teeth, the more damage it does. If you do indulge in dried fruit from time to time, be sure to brush and floss immediately afterward.
• Ice. While ice is excellent for chilling your favorite beverage, it’s not a good thing to chomp down on. Ice doesn’t contain any acid or sugar, but it can still cause major damage to your teeth. Chewing ice causes tiny micro-fractures and cracks in your teeth. It damages enamel and can crack fillings. Avoid dental emergencies by leaving the ice in your cup.
• Coffee. Most people enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the morning. While, in its natural form, coffee is good for you, all too often it’s diluted with sugar. If you add a few too many spoonsful of sweetener into your coffee, you might think about dialing it down a bit. The sugar in your beverage sits on your teeth all day long, causing decay and cavities.
• Citrus. While grapefruit, oranges, and lemons are high in vitamins, they are also extremely acidic. Acid causes the enamel on your teeth to erode over time. Without enamel, your teeth can decay faster. Citrus fruits can also cause mouth sores and pain. Do your best to limit the amount of citrus you eat and drink. Opt for plain water instead of water with lemon to save your teeth from future trouble.

While these foods can damage your teeth, it’s nearly impossible to avoid them altogether. Instead, consume them in moderation and be sure to brush and floss daily. With the help of your Fairbanks dentist and regular cleanings, you can keep your beautiful smile healthy and bright. 

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