Foods to Avoid for a Whiter Smile

 
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Even if you brush regularly, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash like a champion, you can still damage your enamel when you eat the wrong foods. Though visiting a dentist regularly is the best way to keep your tooth enamel healthy and bright, daily exposure to certain substances can cause significant damage.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly all adults (99.7%) agree that having a healthy smile is socially important. Sugary foods, acidic produce, and dark beverages can all stain and weaken enamel. Use this list to figure out what foods might be hindering your social interactions by dulling your teeth:

Common Enamel-Damaging Foods and Beverages

  • Chewy, Sour Candy: Though all sugary candy can increase tooth decay and cavities, chewy and sour candies are especially harmful. Chewy candy sticks to teeth longer, promoting bacteria growth, and sour candies contain acids that weaken enamel.

  • Soda and Alcohol: The sugars in sodas are often as bad as candy for your teeth. Dark colas, in particular, can stain your enamel. Both soda and alcohol also dry out your mouth, reducing the saliva that washes food particles from your teeth. Even diet beverages can harm teeth, so drink in moderation.

  • Ice: Though you may think ice is just water, and therefore good for you, think again. The tough texture of ice can actually damage teeth, so avoid chewing on ice and instead only use it to chill beverages.

  • Citrus:The high acid content in lemons, grapefruits, and oranges can all weaken your enamel. Even tomatoes are acidic enough to stain teeth. Try swishing water in your mouth to rinse away acid after eating citrus.

  • Dried Fruits: Dried fruits aren't necessarily healthy, especially for your enamel. Since they are very sticky and sweet, dried fruits cling to teeth and encourage bacteria growth.

  • Bread and Potato Chips: Starchy foods break down into sugars during digestion. Bread and chips are particularly harmful since they tend to get stuck in between teeth, and salty chips can dry out your mouth. Use floss after eating potato chips and bread.

Are All Foods Bad?

Not at all! Generally, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can work to clean out the mouth. Green teas, water, and sugar-free gum can also clean teeth. Even dairy products like cheese and milk can help your mouth produce saliva, which is good for rinsing away germs.

Overall, you can eat any food you want and still have a healthy mouth, so long as you eat harmful foods in moderation. Avoid too many sugary, starchy, and acidic foods and drinks for a healthier and happier smile.

The Dentist Chandler AZ Residents Trust

For more information about how to best care for your enamel, consider Aesthetic Family Dental Care, the dentist Chandler AZ residents prefer. Whether you need teeth whitening treatments or emergency dental care, we have the quality treatment you need for a healthy smile. For the best dentist chandler AZ has to offer, look no further than Aesthetic Family Dental Care.

 
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