Our Blog

If you are like most people, try your best to maintain the health of your gums and teeth through flossing, brushing regularly, and getting check-ups with your local dentist in Nashville. However, many of us look the other way when it comes to our dietary habits. 

Your daily diet can have a significant impact on your dental health, just as much as poor oral hygiene. To protect your smile, avoid or limit these harmful foods and drinks.  

5 Foods That Harm Your Teeth and You Should Avoid  

1. Sticky Foods 

It’s a well-known dentistry truth that sugar isn’t the best for your teeth. 

Sugar-rich foods that stick to your teeth and cause cavities can cause serious problems. Steer clear of chewy, sweet, and sticky foods like cakes, muffins, and candies. The biggest problem is that these sugar-riddled snacks also stick to your teeth, fostering decay. 

Opt for naturally sweet, fresh foods whenever possible. And if you must have candy to satisfy your sweet tooth, opt for hard candy or sugar-free gum instead.  

2. Crunchy Carbs  

Think twice before reaching for chips or crackers during snack time. Simple carbohydrates are a food source for oral bacteria, which increases the risk of cavities. This is due to the fact that bacteria create acidic products that erode your teeth’s enamel.  

You can pair your carbs with other nutritious foods, like topping them with cheese, to reduce the risk. This will help offset the acidity.

3. Carbonated Drinks  

Carbonated beverages, such as soda, frequently contain a lot of sugar, which can coat teeth and cause decay. However, even diet sodas are bad for your teeth because they have a unique type of acid that can erode the enamel on your teeth. 

Breakdown of the enamel can lead to cavities. If you consume soda, try to reduce your intake and avoid sipping it throughout the day.

4. Other Sugary Beverages 

Drinks high in sugar, such as sodas, energy drinks, lemonade, and sweetened tea or coffee, should also be avoided. Water is the most dental-friendly beverage available, so choose it whenever you can. 

5. Acidic Foods 

Certain foods that are good for the body aren’t always healthy for your teeth. Some nutrient-dense foods can also weaken dental enamel. Citrus fruits such as oranges and tomatoes are among some of them. 

Eat these foods with a meal to lessen their effect on your teeth, but do not completely avoid them.  

Learn More About the Best Foods for Your Teeth from a Local Dentist in Nashville

Not all foods are bad for your teeth. Sadly, many people today eat diets that incorporate mostly harmful foods instead of healthier options like fruits and vegetables. 

Eating the right foods can help prevent dental problems and even improve your overall health. Phosphorus-rich foods, like meat and fish, and high-calcium foods, like cheese, spinach, and almonds, can help repair and strengthen dental enamel. Couple that with regular dental visits, and you’ll have a healthy smile for years to come. 

If you’re interested in learning other ways to care for your oral health, give us a call! Here at Greenwood Local Dentistry and Orthodontics, we’re committed to improving the oral health of our Nashville community.