Diet plays a crucial role in dental care. Regardless of how well you brush, floss, and protect your teeth from trauma, what you eat can still cause decay, gum disease, and other issues. Here, the staff at Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, in Kailua-Kona, HI, share a few foods you should be aware of when it comes to their negative effects on your teeth.

3 Foods That Will Damage Your Teeth

1. Citrus

While eating fruit every day is healthy, you need to be selective. Citruses like oranges and lemons can actually damage your teeth because of their high acid content. Gradually, they’ll contribute to enamel erosion, making teeth more susceptible to decay. You don’t need to cut out citruses entirely—just eat them in moderation, rinse afterward, and avoid sugar-loaded citrus drinks and smoothies.

2. Ice

While not technically a food, ice is something people consume several times a day. Chewing on ice is a common habit, but it breaks down enamel and can even chip teeth.

3. Sour Gummy Candies

Sugar in general is harmful to your teeth, but sour candies deliver an even worse dose. Sour flavorings contain harmful acids alongside sugar that can quickly lead to decay. And because the gummy candies stick inside your mouth, bacteria have more time to eat the sugar on your teeth. You also risk pulling out fillings and any bonding work.

A healthy diet, proper at-home dental care, and regular visits to the dentist are the best ways to keep your mouth healthy, and the staff at Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, can help. They offer general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and sleep apnea solutions. They take pride in providing unrivaled customer service to patients in their dental spa with amenities like hand wax treatments and noise-cancelling headphones. Call (808) 322-0101 today to schedule an appointment, and visit the website to learn more about their dental care services. You can also follow the Facebook page for more tips and updates.