Alderley Dental knows that a healthy smile doesn’t come easy. A well-rounded diet, proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are just some of the important steps you can take to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. But did you know that certain foods may also be damaging to your teeth?
Here are Alderley Dental’s top 10 foods to avoid for a healthy smile:
1. Soda
Sodas contain high levels of sugar and acids that can erode enamel and lead to cavities. Diet sodas are no better as they are also very acidic.
2. Ice
Chewing ice is a bad habit as it increases the risk of broken or chipped teeth, tooth sensitivity and root canal issues associated with cracked teeth.
3. Sticky candy
Sticky candies like caramels, liquorice, gummies and taffy will stick around in your mouth longer than other types of candy, making it more likely to cause tooth decay.
4. Citrus fruits
Lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges contain high levels of citric acid which can erode enamel.
5. Sugary cereals
A bowl of cereal may seem like a healthy breakfast option but many kinds of cereal are loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners, leading to tooth decay.
6. Sports drinks
Sports drinks contain large amounts of sugar as well as erosive acids that can damage your teeth over time if consumed too often.
7. Potato chips
When you eat potato chips, small bits of the food will get stuck in between your teeth making them more prone to plaque buildup.
8. Dried fruit
Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries tend to stick around longer in the mouth and can increase the risk of cavities.
9. Alcohol
Regular consumption of alcohol will reduce saliva production, which helps to protect your teeth from plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay.
10. White bread
Even though white bread isn’t as sugary as other junk foods, it is still full of starch which turns into sugar when it’s broken down by saliva or acid.
Avoiding these 10 foods that Alderley Dental has listed is just one small step you can take towards a healthy smile!
Learn What’s Causing Tooth Decay and How Alderley Dental Can Treat It
Tooth decay is a major problem for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. Alderley Dental can help you understand what causes tooth decay and how to prevent it. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth mix with food particles and form plaque on your teeth. The acid produced by the bacteria can attack the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities and other dental issues.
Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing regularly, eating sugary or acidic foods, smoking, drinking alcohol and using certain medications can also increase your risk of tooth decay.
Things You Should Do Now To Prevent Tooth Decay From Getting Worse
If you’re already experiencing tooth decay, Alderley Dental can help stop it from getting worse. Here are a few things you should do right away to prevent further damage:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods as much as possible
- Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings with Alderley Dental
- Quit smoking
- Limit drinking alcohol
- Use an oral rinse containing fluoride or other active ingredients designed to reduce plaque buildup on teeth
- Ask Alderley Dental about special sealants that may be available for those at higher risk for cavities
Alderley Dental is here to help you protect your teeth from tooth decay. A professional dentist can give you specific advice on how best to maintain oral health and prevent further damage. Book an appointment with Alderley Dental today to learn more about preventing tooth decay and keeping your smile healthy!
