Many people believe that their teeth can take on just about anything, and while that may be true for some patients, the reality is that your teeth and gums can take a beating from certain habits and harmful foods. Dentists in Bingham Farms love to preach the benefits of eating a healthier diet and practicing better habits for optimal oral health, so here at the offices of Jamestowne South Dental Cracchiolo, we’ll start by breaking down how people can keep their teeth and gums looking great and acting strong.

Foods to Avoid for Better Dental Health

First, let’s have a look at some of the worst foods for your teeth and gums. In a general sense, starchy, acidic, and sugary foods are the worst for your teeth since they feed the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.

Here’s a list of foods that typically are considered not great for teeth:

• Hard candy and sticky sweets
• Starchy foods that can get stuck in your teeth
• Carbonated soda
• Alcohol
• Potato chips
• Too much citrus
• Dried fruits

Which foods are okay to eat? High-fiber, low-acid fruits and veggies, as well as low-sugar dairy products, are all great for teeth! As for the rest, anything is okay in moderation. Just be wary of how often you’re eating or drinking these more harmful foods, and if you do eat them, make sure you brush and floss well at some point afterward.

Habits to Avoid for Better Dental Health

It isn’t just food that can harm your teeth and gums. Some activities can be harmful, too. The most notable of these include the following:

• Brushing too hard (or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard)
• Constant snacking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Clenching and grinding your teeth
• Chewing on ice and/or hard candies
• Biting your nails
• Chewing tobacco
• Using your teeth as a tool to open bags, hold your pen, or tear off tags
• Skipping your twice-annual dental cleanings at Jamestowne South Dental’s office

While all of these seem simple enough, we have found that almost everyone is guilty of at least one or two of them. Taking the best care of your teeth should be as easy as avoiding these behaviors. We know habits can be hard to break, but that seems like a fair trade to keep your teeth from chipping, wearing down, or getting cavities.

Optimizing Dental Health with Visits to Jamestowne South Dental

Of course, that last bullet point is among the most important. You must visit your dentist twice per year to get all the excess plaque and tartar cleaned from your teeth and so your dentist can correct any new problems he may notice during your exam. Family dentistry in Bingham Farms is a great way to catch problems before they get too bad. Truly, keeping your teeth and gums happy and healthy is a matter of eating smart and avoiding certain harmful habits!