Your smile is one of your most attractive features, so naturally, you want to take care of it. A good oral hygiene routine and a balanced diet will help you keep your teeth bright and strong. C.R. Sfeir, D.D.S., General Dentistry, a premier dentist office located in Lorain, Ohio, explains what foods you should avoid if you want to preserve your pearly whites.

3 Foods That Trigger Tooth Decay

• Hard Candies: Sugar breaks down the enamel on your teeth, often leading to weak spots, which can develop cavities and decay. Your dentist will tell you to avoid all types of candy, but hard treats can be particularly damaging because they take longer to dissolve. With a lollipop, for example, you keep the candy in your mouth longer than it would take you to eat a candy bar; since your teeth are exposed to sugar and acid for an extended amount of time, they’ll incur more damage.

• Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits can be healthy, but the acid will also erode your enamel. Lemons, grapefruit, and limes can make your teeth more susceptible to decay over time. If you are prone to mouth sores, these foods can irritate your soft tissue and gums, too. However, you don’t need to cut out citrus fruits entirely from your diet—simply eat these foods in moderation. If you love to drink lemon water, drink with a straw and direct the liquid to the back of your mouth to avoid contact with your teeth.

• Alcohol: Alcohol is a drying agent that can cause dehydration and reduces your saliva production. Saliva helps your body break down foods, and it also has antibacterial properties and electrolytes. Without the proper amount of saliva, your chances increase for developing gum disease and oral cancer. If you want to take care of your oral health, drink alcohol only in moderation, or cut it from your diet completely.

Maintaining beautiful, healthy teeth requires the proper hygiene and diet. Dr. Sfeir recommends limiting your intake of these three foods to keep your smile bright. Dr. Sfeir has served the Lorain, Ohio, community with expert general and cosmetic dentistry services since 1995. If you have questions about your diet or want to make an appointment with the dentist, visit the C.R. Sfeir, D.D.S., General Dentistry website or call (440) 960-5200 today. You can also connect with the team on Facebook for more tips from the family dentist.