From improper brushing techniques to failing to floss, there are many oral hygiene faux pas that make any dentist cringe. Did you know, however, that professionals might even cast a dubious eye at some of your favorite foods? These snacks can wreak havoc on your oral health.

5 Foods Dentists Hate to See You Eat

1. Hard Candies & Sticky Sweets

Tough sweet treats like lollipops are full of sugars, which breed bacteria and increase your risk of cavities. Additionally, they can chip or break a tooth if you bite down on them. Get your sugar-fix with some dark chocolate instead.

2. Citrus Fruits

With all the buzz about Vitamin C, citrus fruits might seem like a healthy choice. Unfortunately, lemons, limes, and oranges are also highly acidic. Acid erodes enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, and makes them more susceptible to decay. Try to sip water between bites of citrus.

3. Coffee, Tea, & Sodas

Technically these aren’t foods, but they’re so popular that these drinks all warrant a mention on this list! Carbonated soft drinks are full of sugars and also highly acidic. Meanwhile, coffee and tea stain your smile; add milk to these hot beverages to avoid the need for constant teeth whitening.

4. Dried Fruit

Like citrus, this is another food people tend to think is healthy but is terrible for dental health. Dried fruits are super sticky and harder to remove from the teeth, increasing the risk of bacteria buildup. Drink water, and try to floss and brush immediately after eating dried fruits.

5. Ice

This is a pet peeve for dentists. Chewing ice can cause tiny chips in your teeth that you don’t even notice, leading to long-term damage over time. If you can’t break yourself of the habit, start ordering your drinks without the cubes.  

If you experience a broken or chipped tooth or suspect you are getting a cavity, see a dentist as soon as possible. For help in Kaneohe, HI, look to Kathleen Kujiraoka DDS. This family dentist offers cosmetic and general dentistry procedures, from dentures and crowns to veneers and teeth whitening. Whatever you turn to them for, Dr. Kujiraoka and her team will make you feel at ease with their competent, friendly service. You can read reviews from some of their satisfied patients online. For an appointment, call (808) 235-2121.