We’ve said it time and again—oral health is key to overall health. You know that brushing and flossing is of utmost importance, but did you know that if you eat the wrong things all of your oral hygiene is for naught? For extra pearly whites, avoid these foods:
Diet Soda: If the aspartame alone isn’t enough for you to kick the habit, maybe this is: diet coke is very acidic. That acids eats away at your enamel, leaving your teeth prone to cracks and chips.
Hard Candy: when you suck on a piece of hard candy, you are putting your teeth in constant contact with sugar, which is terrible for them.
Dried Fruit: What? You thought dried fruit was good for you? Well, it is, but it is full of sugar—and it’s super sticky, making it easy to get caught in your teeth.
Potato Chips: While it’s true that all crunchy foods can damage your teeth, potato chips are the worst culprit. Their small pieces can get lodged between teeth, and since they are loaded with starch, plaque can start to build on your teeth until you get a chance to brush and floss again.
Sports Drinks: these are just bad for you in general. There is really no nutritional value, and they are loaded with sugars and acid, both of which are extremely damaging to your teeth.
Citrus Fruit: Acid is terrible for the enamel on your teeth, and citrus fruits are loaded with acid. It’s okay to use them to flavor your food, but avoid eating them alone.
Ice: though it is nothing but water, chewing and crunching on ice is very damaging to your teeth. It can lead to chipping and cracking, both very painful, if you do it too often.
In addition to avoiding these foods, keeping your regularly scheduled dental checkups and having your teeth professionally whitened can keep them healthy. A healthy smile is worth the time and effort!