We all want to enjoy our favorite foods, but eating the wrong foods can lead to oral health problems. Below are some of the foods you should avoid to maintain good oral health.

• Hard Candy

Hard candies are one of the worst food choices for your teeth! They are sticky and cling to the teeth, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay. Additionally, many hard candies are acidic, which causes tooth enamel erosion and makes your teeth more prone to decay. Avoid hard candies altogether to protect your oral health. But if you do give in to your sweet tooth from time to time, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating them. That way, the candy won’t have as much of a chance to stick to your teeth and cause damage.

• Ice

Although ice is cold, it’s bad for your teeth because it can crack or chip them. It can also irritate the gums and make them sore. If you chew on ice, you can damage your enamel as well. To avoid these problems, break the habit.

• Caramels

Caramels are sticky and sugary, making them bad for your teeth. The stickiness and the acidic nature of caramel can cause cavities to form. Additionally, when you eat sticky food, it takes longer for your body to digest that food and excrete it from your system. It takes time for the saliva in your mouth to break down the food, so the longer you chew on sticky foods, the more likely you are to cause plaque buildup or gum irritations. Plus, the residue from caramelized sugar can get caught in between teeth and cause damage that way as well.

• Sticky Sweets

Sticky and cavity-causing sweets tend to cling to your teeth, providing constant fuel for bacteria to reproduce and feast on sugars. These foods also leave behind hard-to-brush residue that can eventually cause cavities. Examples include candy canes, caramel popcorn balls, gummy bears, jelly beans, fudge, Jolly Ranchers, Tootsie Rolls, gum drops, Swedish Fish, and more! If you simply must have something sweet, try eating something that isn’t sticky or chewy, like chocolate or fruit instead.

• Sports Drinks

Fruit juice or sports drinks can be just as damaging as sodas when it comes to your oral health. The sugar content in these beverages can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. They’re also highly acidic and can erode your enamel over time. If you are going for a drink, it’s best to stick with water! Water is the best beverage for your body overall, but especially your mouth. When you drink water regularly, you can help keep harmful bacteria at bay and give your smile a healthy boost. Contact our office if you want more tips about drinking water to keep your mouth healthy!

• Popcorn

The kernels in popcorn are tiny, which means they’re hard for your enamel to resist breaking apart. When you chew on popcorn kernels, you may chip a filling or crack a tooth. When your tooth is cracked or broken, bacteria can enter the vulnerable area and cause an infection. This infection can then spread to your gums and your mouth and lead to other oral health issues. If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy and satisfying, choose wisely! Crunchy fruits and veggies like celery and carrots can help clean your teeth as you eat them.

At North Star Dental, we ensure to provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at (505) 369-1881 or visit us at 9501 Paseo del Norte NE, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87122. We will be happy to guide you further.