If you want to keep your smile healthy, there are certain foods and drinks to avoid. The family dentist at Alaska’s Anchorage Dental Center has been helping patients maintain bright smiles since 1964. They offer a range of services, from teeth cleaning to dental implants and dentures.

To keep your own smile shining, follow the Alaska dental clinic’s advice on foods to avoid for healthy teeth:

• Candy: You’ve probably heard this from the dentist since you were a kid chowing down on Halloween candy—sugary sweets can wreak havoc on your teeth. Sour candy, in particular, contains acids that are especially tough on teeth. Since sour candies tend to be chewy, they also stick to your teeth longer and make them more prone to decay.
• Soda: Carbonated sodas mix with bacteria to produce acid, which attacks the protective enamel that coats your teeth. When you’re sipping on soda during the day, you are essentially continually covering your teeth in acid. What’s more, darker sodas can also stain your teeth.

• Ice: Chewing on ice can damage enamel, making teeth susceptible to chips, cracks, and breaks; so, resist the urge to bite down on your ice.
• Citrus: Lemons, oranges and grapefruits can give you a healthy dose of vitamin C. Unfortunately, the high acid content of these sour fruits can damage enamel in the same way that acid-filled sodas can. Consume citrus fruits in moderation and rinse your mouth after eating to ward off damage.
• Dried Fruits: This is another seemingly healthy snack that can actually harm your mouth. Dried fruits tend to be quite sticky and cling to your teeth, where they leave behind damaging sugar. Stick to fresh fruits, which have less sugar.

For more expert tips on maintaining a healthy smile, visit the professionals at Anchorage Dental Center. Take a look at their website to find out about the services offered or call (907) 278-2521 to make an appointment.