To help keep your teeth healthy and strong, it is important to avoid certain foods that can damage them. Here are some foods to avoid:
- Hard candy: Hard candy can crack or break your teeth if you bite down on it wrong. It can also cause tooth decay if the sugar sticks to your teeth and promotes the growth of bacteria.
- Ice: Chewing on ice can also crack or break your teeth. If you must chew on something, try sugarless gum instead.
- Sticky candy: Sticky candy, such as taffy or caramel, can adhere to your teeth and cause tooth decay. The sticky texture can also pull out fillings or loosen braces.
- Coffee and tea: Both coffee and tea can stain your teeth over time. If you can’t give them up completely, try using a straw to drink them so the liquid doesn’t come into direct contact with your teeth.
- Soda: Soda is loaded with sugar and can cause tooth decay. Diet sodas are not much better because they contain acidic ingredients that can also damage your teeth.
- Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It can also make your mouth dry, which promotes the growth of bacteria.
- Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth and gums. Tobacco use can cause staining, gum disease, and even cancer. If you smoke or chew tobacco, it is important to see a dentist regularly so they can catch any problems early.
- Acidic foods: Foods that are high in acids, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, can break down the enamel on your teeth over time. If you eat these foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to remove the acid.
- Chewy foods: Chewy foods, such as bagels or jerky, can put a lot of stress on your teeth and cause them to crack. If you must eat chewy foods, cut them into small pieces so they are easier to chew.
- Crunchy foods: Crunchy foods, such as chips or pretzels, can also damage your teeth if you bite down on them wrong. They can also get stuck in between your teeth and cause decay.
If you eat any of these foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards. It is also a good idea to see a dentist regularly so they can check for any problems with your teeth.
How to fix teeth problems
If you have damaged teeth, there are several things you can do to fix the problem. For minor damage, such as a chip or small crack, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with a filling or crown. For more severe damage, such as a large crack or tooth loss, you may need to have the tooth extracted and replaced with an artificial one. Feel free to contact an orthodontist if you have some serious damage.
No matter what type of damage you have, it is important to see a dentist so they can determine the best course of treatment. With proper care, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.
