Some foods are better for our teeth than others. While we can’t eliminate every hard or acidic food from our diet, we can do our best to limit our intake of them. Acidic foods like oranges and lemons can erode tooth enamel over time.
Jolly Ranchers and other hard candies are slow to dissolve and give the bacteria in your mouth more time to generate harmful acid. Hard candies can also chip your teeth if you bite down on them the wrong way.
While hard candies are known as the most damaging, there are other hard foods we encourage our patients to stay away from as much as possible. These foods include ice cubes, corn on the cob, hard taco shells, french bread or rolls, full-size apples and carrots, bagels, and chips.
Although these foods won’t necessarily cause your teeth to shift, they can lead to dental emergencies such as chipped or broken teeth. The good news, however, is that are many soft, nutritious foods that can keep your teeth free of damage. We recommend foods like mashed potatoes, bananas, pureed fruit, canned fish and poultry, and egg noodles.
In addition to being smart about the foods you eat, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. If you’re worried about your teeth shifting, especially after you’ve undergone orthodontic treatment, it’s a good idea to wear a retainer.
Schedule an Appointment at Mile High Smiles
For more information on how hard food may impact your teeth and gums, contact our office at (720) 239-1916 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levitin.
