You’ve probably heard it before from your dentist; there are many types of foods and drinks that can harm your smile. Even the cleanest mouth has up to 600 different types of bacteria, which feed on what you consume. In the process, the bacteria damages and deteriorates tooth enamel. While most people are aware of the obvious culprits—sodas and candies, for instance—Dr. David K. Skeels in Rochester, NY notes that there are some other types of foods that have the potential to harm your teeth.

There are three major ingredients that can harm your teeth:

• Sugars: This is the one you’re probably well aware of; sugars of the kind you might find in candy, cake, or soda, are a major contributor to tooth decay. The bacteria in the mouth are able to quickly feed on these sugars. This raises the acidity level in the mouth that eventually eats into your enamel.
• Starches: Starches—complex carbohydrates you might find in foods like bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes—also feed these microorganisms. Starches also tend to get stuck between the teeth, which makes them hard to remove with a toothbrush alone.
• Gluten: While most discuss gluten in terms of the potential digestive and general health related issues it can cause—specifically celiac disease and gluten intolerance—it’s a lesser known fact that this also contributes significantly to tooth decay in those that suffer from these conditions.

Dr. Skeels emphasizes that the most important thing to do to prevent such decay is to adhere to positive dental hygiene practices; brush after meals, if possible, and floss daily. If you do need dental work or tooth implants, trust Dr. Skeels to perform it. He is a true leader in the field, and his dentist office emphasizes complete patient satisfaction and comfort.

To learn more about Dr. David K. Skeels and his many specialties, check out his website. To make an appointment, give the staff there a call at (585) 467-7000.