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Unless you’re a dentist, you’re probably blissfully unaware of all the seemingly innocuous edibles and activities harming your teeth. To impart you with the hard but necessary truth, oral care professional Lisa Tatum, DDS, of Waynesboro, VA, explains the foods, habits, and places you should avoid to protect your teeth.

5 Things You Didn’t Know Were Harming Your Teeth

1. Dried Fruit

Dentist-Waynesboro-VAAlthough eating a version of fruit seems like a healthy choice, the dried variety is likelier to stick to your teeth. That makes it easier for sugar and plaque to accumulate, eventually leading to dental decay. You don’t necessarily have to swear off the treat, but when you indulge, brush your teeth soon after.

2. Swimming Pools

This is the last thing you want to hear in the height of summer, but if the pH level in a pool is too high or low, it can be corrosive to your dental enamel. If you own a pool, make sure you’re regularly monitoring the levels — 7.4 is the magic number — and making any necessary adjustments.

3. White Wine

Oral care experts frequently remind wine lovers that red wine can easily stain their teeth. While this is true, it’s important to understand that white wine is also harmful. White wine is very acidic and can cause significant damage to your enamel.

4. Cough Medicine

It’s easy to overlook the fact that cough syrup typically contains a large amount of sugar. If you’re going to use it, brush your teeth soon after to guard against decay.

5. Chewable Vitamins

Chewables are great for goading reluctant kids to take their vitamins. Sadly, they also have a high sugar content, and they tend to stick to their teeth. Dentists recommend your children brush regularly if they take them.

If you or your child is due for a checkup or need any dentistry service, Lisa Tatum, DDS, is committed to achieving maintaining her patients’ oral health. Trained in cosmetic and restorative service, she’s a dentist you can turn to for all of your needs. Contact the office online to learn more about becoming a patient, or call (540) 943-0973 today.

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