When visiting your family dentist for a teeth cleaning session, it’s difficult to hide what you’ve been eating and drinking. Certain food items leave an obvious impact on your teeth and overall oral health, even if you’re meticulous about brushing and flossing. Before stocking your refrigerator or meeting friends at your favorite restaurant, here are a few popular items that can harm your teeth. 

4 Common Items That Impact Your Teeth

1. Coffee

When you need a boost of caffeine, coffee is the obvious choice. Unfortunately, black coffee stains teeth and sweetened beverages can lead to tooth decay. If you need some pep in your step, consider enjoying unsweetened coffee with a touch of cream. Use a straw and brush your teeth afterward to avoid stains that require professional teeth whitening from your dentist. 

2. Alcohol

Do you look forward to a glass of red wine or a cocktail after a long day at the office? If so, remember to enjoy alcohol in moderation. Many of these drinks tend to stain teeth and are high in sugar resulting in a risk of cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, alcohol can dry out your mouth, making it more difficult to wash food particles away. Should you opt to have an alcoholic drink on occasion, make a point of drinking water and brushing and flossing as soon as possible. 

3. Ice

Ice is often a necessity to enjoy your favorite beverage at the perfect temperature. That being said, try to use a straw and avoid chewing on ice once you’re finished your drink. The act of munching on cold ice can wear down your enamel, lead to sensitivity to cold, and in some situations, can crack a tooth altogether! To avoid these dental issues and an unnecessary trip to the dentist, leave the ice in your glass. 

4. Soda

On a hot day, the idea of sipping a cold soda can be very appealing. Unfortunately, these beverages are acidic and high in sugar or artificial sugar, which coats your teeth, wears down enamel, and often leads to decay. If you’re craving a bubbly beverage to quench your thirst, try unsweetened soda water instead. 

Katz Family Dentistry, led by Dr. Jeffrey R. Katz, has been helping residents across Monroe County, NY, maintain healthy, beautiful teeth and gums for over 30 years. If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning session or you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry so you can achieve your dream smile, call this family dentist today at (585) 671-2340 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about this state-of-the-art dental practice and their commitment to providing comprehensive care in a relaxing, friendly environment, visit their website.