What Foods Should You Avoid for a Healthy Smile?

The start of a new year, often means renewed efforts to eat healthier and exercise more. But in the quest for overall health, many people neglect dental care, which can be important to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile. If you want to protect your teeth and gums, it is important to care for your smile through regular dental hygiene, but also through smart choices at-home and in visiting the dentist.

Which Foods Are the Worst for Teeth?

There a number of foods and beverages that can be particularly problematic for teeth. Some of them are even seemingly healthy options.

Lemon and other citrus foods, for instance, are filled with nutrients. Unfortunately, chewing on them or drinking their juice can be particularly bad for the teeth’s enamel. That’s because of their high acidity level.

Fortunately, orange juice is lower in acidity than other citrus fruits. It contains numerous vitamins, too, making it a healthy choice and one safer than other citrus juices.

Pickles and other pickled foods can also be bad for the teeth’s enamel, because the vinegar used to create them is highly acidic. Though one a day, or so, should not wreak havoc on one’s dental health, eating them more frequently can cause enamel erosion.

Also troubling? Crackers and foods that break down quickly. That is because the faster foods break down the quicker bacteria can feed on the sugars they create, eventually leading to plaque buildup that can lead to cavities.

If you really want to avoid the need for restorative treatment, like dental fillings, be sure o limit your sugar intake and avoid acidic foods and drinks as much as possible. This can help to protect your teeth and gums, especially when combined with daily dental hygiene and routine professional cleanings, as well.