We’ve all been there. You don’t feel like you’re doing anything to hurt your teeth, but the results of your dental appointment say otherwise. Your smile is teeming with issues you didn’t know about, and you start wondering what you did wrong to cause the problem. Although most people chalk it up to quick brushing or the lack of flossing, the fact of the matter is that your daily diet can cause just as much damage as completely ignoring your teeth.

To help us to understand the kind of harm different foods can cause, we turned to the professionals at Zen Dental Hawaii LLC in Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition to offering general and preventive dentistry services, this top-notch dental office also offers a full range of cosmetic dental options, helping patients to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Today, their dentist explains five foods that cause dental professionals to cringe, and why they are so damaging to your teeth.

5 Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth

1. Alcohol

Most people don’t realize it, but drinking alcohol can contribute to dental decay because it dries out your mouth. In addition to neutralizing bacterial acids, saliva also helps to rinse away food particles and keep your mouth clean. Drinking alcohol can allow bacteria to flourish, putting you at a higher risk for cavities. 

2. Citrus

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are a natural way to add low-calorie flavor to your favorite dishes, but they can also be hard on your dental enamel. These highly acidic foods can weaken dental enamel and lead to erosion, making your teeth sensitive.

3. Starchy Foods

Starchy foods like bread, tortillas, cookies, and crackers can leave behind a sticky film on the teeth that causes plaque and tartar accumulation.

4. Ice Cubes

Crunching away on ice cubes can do more than crack your dental crowns. In addition to causing your teeth to expand and contract which can cause structural problems, chewing ice can also lead to painful soft tissue injuries.

5. Chewy Candies

Chewy candies might be fun to enjoy, but they can be especially harmful to dental work. Taffy and hard caramels are notorious for ripping out dental fillings, causing discomfort, ongoing decay, and extra trips to the dentist.

If you are experiencing dental pain, focus on your diet to eliminate foods that could be hurting your teeth or gums. Also, make an appointment with Zen Dental Hawaii LLC to have your mouth carefully examined. With a complete focus on patient satisfaction and all of the best new dental technologies, this dental practice can help you to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable. For more information about their services or to request an appointment, visit them online or call (808) 532-5888.