The refrains from childhood still echo in our minds: “Don’t eat that candy! It’ll rot your teeth out!” As we grew older, we realized that while it wasn’t that dangerous to indulge in an occasional Jolly Rancher or Reese’s Cup, it was still good advice. What our parents forgot to mention (or perhaps didn’t know) is that there are other foods that are just as bad for your teeth if not worse than candy. To keep your teeth strong and healthy, limit the amount of the following foods and drinks.

• Citrus – Yes, citrus is full of fiber and vitamin C, but it is also very acidic, which can erode your tooth enamel. If you are bananas about citrus, then make sure to rinse your mouth with water after enjoying that navel orange or lemon water.
• Pickles – Acid strikes again! Most vegetables are pickled with a combination of vinegar, salt, and occasionally sugar. As with citrus, the acid in vinegar can compromise your tooth enamel and weaken your teeth. An occasional Kosher Dill won’t hurt, but if pickles are a regular part of your diet, then consider cutting back.
• Crackers – They may help settle our stomachs, but they aren’t doing our teeth any favors. When we eat crackers, the cracker “mush” that forms gets stuck in the grooves of our teeth where the carbohydrates turn into sugars that encourage bacteria growth. Potato chips, popcorn, and white bread have the same effect. Brush and floss after you eat any of these treats, if at all possible.
• Coffee, Tea, and Dark Soda – All of these drinks contain acids, which (as you know by now) harms the enamel on our teeth. When your enamel has been softened, it becomes porous and the dark colors of these beverages begin to stain your teeth.
• Chewy Candy – Candies like Milk Duds, Laffy Taffy, and Starburst take a long time to dissolve, so when you eat them, the gooey stuff that sticks to your teeth hangs around and form bacteria. Sour candies are the worst, as the acidity that makes them sour is also weakening your enamel while the sugars cause decay. If you’re in the mood for candy, opt for something sugar-free instead.
• Ice – Ice is just fine for cooling your favorite beverage, but if you tend to chew on ice, that’s a different story. Chewing on ice can easily chip or crack your teeth. To avoid costly dental repairs, stop using your teeth as an ice crusher.

If you’re worried that your favorite foods and beverages have already caused harm to your teeth, contact Wayne Dental Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Handel. We look forward to giving you the sweet smile that you deserve.