Our diet plays a big role in our overall health, including the health of our teeth and gums. While you want to enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks, the key is to do it in moderation to avoid health issues down the road. For your teeth, certain foods and drinks can weaken the enamel or even put you at risk for tooth decay or breaking a tooth. Here are the 5 foods and drinks we recommend avoiding to protect your dental health. 

5 Foods and Drinks to Avoid for Dental Health

We have to eat and drink to live, however what you eat and drink affects more than your overall health — it can affect your dental health, too. Here is a list of 5 foods and drinks that do more harm to your smile than good. We’re not saying avoid these items completely, but enjoy them in moderation and pay careful attention to your chewing as you do. 

1. Ice

While ice seems harmless because it’s only water, it can be detrimental to your oral health. Chewing on the ice from your beverages can cause a tooth to chip or break. Colgate explains that along with that damage, it can also weaken your enamel and make you more prone to sensitivity to hot and cold beverages. When this happens, you are also more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Further, any dental work you’ve had done like fillings, crowns, or veneers could also be damaged. If you love ice, they suggest these alternatives:

• Don’t chew it, but let ice melt in your mouth slowly. 
• Skip the temptation. Order drinks without ice. 
• Switch to slush. You can use nugget or slush-like ice that aren’t as hard on your teeth. 
• Check your iron levels. Iron deficiencies are known to make people crave ice. 
• Find another crunchy alternative — like carrots or apples. 

2. Sour and sticky candy 

Sour candy is a fun treat on occasion, but they are extremely acidic. When you eat these snacks that make you pucker up, you’re ingesting a large amount of acid, which erodes your enamel and can cause all sorts of teeth issues. Signs of eroded enamel include: 

• Increased sensitivity to taste, textures, and temperature
• Cracks and chips in the teeth
• Discoloration
• Indentations known as ‘cups’ on the surface of the teeth 

Sticky candy is also bad for your teeth because it’s hard to chew. When sticky candy gets stuck on the teeth, it exposes your teeth for a longer period of time to the sugar, which can lead to cavities. 

3. Soda 

Like sour candy, soda is highly acidic. Along with that, they are also loaded with sugar which can cause it’s own set of problems. When you drink a sweet drink, the sugar will attach itself to the bad bacteria in your mouth and cause excessive plaque — making you more at risk to cavities. 

4. Citrus foods 

While many people love to add lemons to their water or eat oranges and other kinds of citrus fruits, they are bad for our teeth. Just like sour candy and soda, citrus foods are highly acidic. If you want to eat citrus, do so in moderation. A good tip is to rinse your mouth out with plain water afterwards to help remove the remaining acid from your mouth. Wait to brush your teeth for 30 minutes after eating acidic foods or drinking high-acid drinks. Your mouth is already vulnerable to damage due to the acid, so brushing your teeth right away can do more harm than good. 

5. Chips and crunchy foods

Eating crunchy things like chips can make it more likely that you suffer from a broken or chipped tooth. When you eat these types of food, be sure that you are eating them slowly and carefully chewing to try and prevent any damage to the teeth. If you can, try swapping out your crunchy foods for snacks that are a little more smile friendly. 

Keeping a Healthy Smile 

No matter what you eat or drink, you should be practicing good oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss each day, and use a mouthwash for optimal oral health. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

Serving the Boulder, CO community for many years, Dr. Ania has become one of the most respected local dentists in the area. Striving for health and beauty, Dr. Ania is here to make sure you have a smile that looks and feels good. If you are ready to get your smile back on track, make an appointment with our team today. Call us at (303)-872-9940.