Foods to Avoid to Keep a Healthy Smile

The New Year is upon us and some may be adjusting their diet to adhere to a resolution of self improvement. Many of us have resolved to exercise more, eat right and become a better version of ourselves for 2015.

Avoiding cavity causing foods can help keep your diet in check and it can also help to improve your oral health. Dr. Prendergast and Dr. Shepherd of Infinity Dental stress the importance of a healthy diet for good oral health. Here are some foods that they suggest limiting to keep that smile healthy…

• Hard candies are full of sugar and can even trigger a dental emergency such as a chipped or cracked tooth. Yikes!
• Ice. This may seem counterintuitive since water is vitally important, but chewing on ice can cause cracked enamel. Do yourself a favor and stick to water in its liquid form!
• Citrus such as lemon or lime is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel and irritate mouth sores.
• Dried fruit and other sticky foods are your mouth’s worst foe. While dried fruit appears to be an appealing alternative to candy, it also contains added sugar and can cause significant damage due to its tendency to linger on teeth.
• Alcohol can cause dehydration and reduced saliva over time, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.

Sure, the foods listed are delicious and may be difficult to avoid entirely, but remember to brush and floss diligently if you do decide to indulge! And don’t forget to schedule regular check-ups for the new year. Preventative care is key to maintaining the quality of your oral health.