6 Foods to Avoid for Healthy Teeth

What you eat matters not only to your overall physical health, but it matters to your dental health as well! The foods you eat can have a major impact on your teeth. Here are some foods to avoid or reduce for a healthy smile.
 
Sticky foods such as dried fruit can bring harm to teeth because they stay on the tooth longer. If you eat sticky foods often, be sure to rinse your mouth with plain water afterward. Remember to brush and floss carefully after eating!
 
Sports drinks and energy drinks are often designed to provide calories and flavor. However, this can mean a lot of sugar! In fact, sugar is the number one ingredient in most sports and energy drinks. Before your next workout, make sure your drink is low in sugar–or better yet, drink water.
 
Ice is designed for cooling off drinks, not for chewing. Though it is made only of water with no additives, crunching ice can leave teeth vulnerable to dental emergencies like chipped or cracked teeth and damaged enamel.  
 
Citrus is a common additive to water. However, consistent exposure to the acids present in citrus can lead to enamel damage. This causes teeth to be more susceptible to decay. Plain water is a safe and healthy option.
 
Hard candy may seem harmless, but consistent exposure to sugar can be damaging to your teeth. Additionally, hard candies bring trouble as they can trigger dental emergencies such as a chipped or cracked tooth.
 
Potato chips and other starchy foods can get stuck on your teeth. If you choose to snack on foods like these, be sure to floss carefully that day to remove food particles, which can lead to plaque build-up.
 
While occasional indulgence can be fun, reducing these foods can help ensure a happy, healthy smile for years to come!