You know that you need to see your Florence, SC dentist regularly to keep up your oral health. In addition, you know you should be brushing and flossing routinely. But do you know how your diet can impact your oral health? Dr. Brian Sang of Palmetto Smiles discusses foods you should keep away from if you want to keep your smile healthy.
1. Citrus Fruits
While fresh fruits are often healthy, citrus isn’t something you want to overdo if you’re worried about your smile. Citrus fruits are very acidic, meaning they’ll wear away at the enamel on your teeth. Even having a lemon or lime in your water can contribute to the wear on your teeth.
If you’re eating citrus fruits, be sure you do it sparingly. Try to avoid putting acidic fruits in your water and just drink it plain. Also, drink plain water after you eat citrus fruits. This can help neutralize the acid that is introduced to your mouth.
2. Dried Fruit
Again, fruit is a healthy way to get a sweet snack. However, dried fruit is something you should avoid altogether. Dried fruit contains concentrated amounts of sugar. It’s also extremely sticky, meaning that it can easily get wedged in between your teeth or in the crevices on top of your molars.
Bacteria feed on these trapped sugary morsels, releasing an acidic byproduct that contributes to tooth decay. The longer the fruit is stuck, the more that area is going to be exposed to acid. If you are going to risk eating dried fruit, make sure that you have water to rinse your mouth out or can brush your teeth immediately after.
3. Popcorn
If you’ve ever had orthodontic work, you’ve probably been told to avoid this. But it’s not just people with appliances that have to worry. Remnants of popcorn can easily get stuck in between your teeth. The hulls that get stuck there are often sharp and can cut your gums as well. Plus, if you accidentally bite down on a kernel, it’s a recipe for a cracked tooth and a visit for emergency dentistry services.
4. Chips and Crackers
While you may not think these salty snacks have high sugar content, starchy foods break down into sugars as they’re eaten. Chips are notorious for getting stuck between teeth in the mouth, and crackers form into a paste when they’re chewed that coats your teeth. If you’re going to snack, make sure you have plenty of water afterward to rinse away the leftover particles.
5. Ice
Ice may seem harmless because it’s just water. But it’s when you’re chewing ice that the problems start. Chewing on ice regularly can lead to wear and tear on your teeth. Plus, if you bite down at the wrong place or time, you can crack or chip your tooth. Just stick to water when it’s in its liquid form.
Checkups From Your Dentist in Florence, South Carolina
Make sure that your diet isn’t having a detrimental impact on your oral health. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to get a checkup.