According to the CDC, at least 90 percent of adults over 20 have had at least one cavity. And although there are many ways to improve your oral health after the damage is done (teeth whitening, fillings, etc.) it’s best to try to prevent decay before it happens. Flossing, brushing, and mouthwash are always recommended, but here are some foods and drinks you should try to stay away from (or at least only eat in moderation) to be proactive and protect your teeth.

1. Soda. Soda makes the top of the list for several reasons, not only is it packed with tons of sugar, it also has carbonation. Carbonation dries out your mouth and causes you to produce less saliva, which naturally clears your mouth of bad bacteria and harmful food particles. On top of that, carbonation also allows more plaque to stick to your enamel. Aside from the damage soda causes to your teeth, it can create cosmetic issues like dark staining. 
2. Bread. This one may be a bit surprising to you. Because of its texture, bread can easily get stuck between your teeth. Your saliva then breaks the starch down into sugar and because it’s between your teeth, it can easily be missed while brushing. The sugar can sit between your teeth and cause decay. 
3. Ice. Because water is good for your oral health, you might think that ice is also a positive. However, crunching down on ice breaks down your enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to cracking or chipping.
4. Alcohol. Alcohol is not only detrimental to your overall health but can also have a negative effect on your oral health. Similar to soda, alcohol dries out your mouth and causes less saliva production. Alcohol is also often mixed with sugary beverages that cause it to be even more destructive.  
5. Grapefruit, Lemon Juice, and other citrus. Citrus is good for your body but bad for your teeth. Because they are so packed with vitamin C, citrus fruits are extremely acidic which is bad for your enamel. It’s common for people, especially those who sit at a desk, to sip on water with lemon all day. This just exposes your teeth to acidity for long periods of time. Our best advice? Don’t drink lemon water every day but it’s okay to enjoy in moderation.  

If you do eat any of these food or drinks, be sure to floss and brush to get rid of harmful particles. If you have any questions about tooth decay or need to come in for a checkup, contact us today.