Although regular brushing and flossing are great for your teeth, there are other ways to keep them healthy. The food you eat, and your beverage choices can have an impact on your dental health. Here are some food and drink items that could send you to the dentist’s office earlier than you planned. 

Foods That Aren’t Recommended for Dental Health

1. Sticky Foods

Foods that stick to your teeth are more likely to cause decay. This includes sweets like bubble gum and toffee, but it can also apply to raisins and other dried fruits. To reduce the risk of tooth decay from these items, cut down on the amount, and mix them in with meals. This ensures you’ll have enough saliva to wash the food particles off your teeth. 

2. Sugary Drinks & Snacks 

Items with a lot of sugar cause the bacteria in your mouth to grow, while also creating conditions for tooth damage or decay. Many products contain natural sugar, but you should try to avoid drinks and food containing added sugar. 

3. Acidic Items 

When you eat or drink citrus fruits, tomatoes, soda, or red wine, the acid levels in your mouth rise. This will gradually wear down the enamel on your teeth, but you can avoid that by consuming acidic items in moderation. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating can help neutralize excess acid. 

4. Chips

Chips tend to contain sugars that are harmful to teeth, but their texture is another problem. They crumble into small pieces that can get into the crevasses between your teeth. Here, the sugar content in the crumbs can cause tooth decay unless they’re removed through flossing and rinsing. 

5. Nuts and Seeds

With these items, it’s more about adjusting the way you eat them. Certain nuts, like almonds, can damage previous dental work, and seeds can get stuck between your teeth or gumline. Avoid these issues by softening almonds with olive oil before eating them and following seed-based snacks with brushing. 
 

If you’re seeking a reliable dentist for the entire family, you can turn to the Dental Associates of Prairie du Chien, P.C, Family Dentistry Associates of Monona, and Waukon Dental. These professionals provide a wide range of dental services, including cleanings, oral exams, and cosmetic dentistry. Visit them online to schedule an appointment at one of their three clinics.