Living with cavities can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, especially if the tooth decay is visible when you talk or laugh. Fortunately, you might be able to avoid cavities by making a few changes to your diet. Here are five foods dentists warn can harm your smile. 

Foods & Drinks That Can Hurt Your Teeth

1. Chewy Candy

When you eat chewy candy like fruit chews, caramels, or taffy, you are coating your teeth with a layer of sugar, which fuels oral bacteria. Chewy candies can also dislodge dental work like crowns and fillings, which can pave the way for fractured teeth and deep-set infections. If you are left with damaged dental work after eating chewy candy, meet with your dentist as soon as possible. 

2. Soda 

In addition to containing dyes that can discolor your teeth, soda contains loads of citric acid, which can soften dental enamel. Additionally, full-sugar sodas contribute to tooth decay, since the residues stick around on teeth for hours. 

3. Popcorn

Although popcorn might seem like a tasty way to have a low-calorie snack, it frequently contains several hardened kernels, which can chip teeth or fracture molars. Popcorn kernels can also become lodged in the gum tissue, causing tooth pain and gum infections. 

4. Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips also contain hardened grains, which can surprise you with dental damage. Additionally, tortilla chips are hard enough to cause oral lacerations in the gum tissue, hard palate, and throat, which can compromise your oral health. 

5. Tomatoes

Although tomatoes contain healthy vitamins and minerals, they also have a very high acid content, which can soften dental enamel and put your teeth at a higher risk for developing cavities. If you eat tomato sauce or tomatoes frequently, follow the meal with a cube of cheese to neutralize bacterial acids. 

If you are curious about how your diet is impacting your teeth, visit with the team at Nizich Family Dental. In addition to providing patients with incredibly personalized, affordable dental care, this team of professionals offers a wide range of treatment options, including everything from preventative care to cosmetic services. To learn more about their practice or schedule an appointment with a dentist, visit them online or call (907) 789-7001.