Most people are aware of the main foods and drinks that they should avoid like coffee, red wine, and candy in order to ensure their teeth remain healthy and white. However, those foods and beverages are obvious. For example, coffee is an obvious culprit because it is dark in color, which means it can stain your teeth. Some foods and beverages, like the ones listed below, can do damage to your teeth without being an apparent culprit.
White Wine
You may have given up your red wine because of its color and its ability to stain your teeth, but you replaced it with white wine. Unfortunately, white wine isn't much better. This type of wine contains high levels of acid, which can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. As the enamel wears away, your teeth are more susceptible to damage, including staining and pain sensitivity. If you want to enjoy a glass of white wine, one way to minimize the effects of the acid is to pair it with cheese.
Ice
Many people enjoy crunching on ice. For some, it is a way to relieve stress or simply pass the day. For others, it is a way to avoid eating calorie-heavy snacks. Whatever the case may be for you, chewing ice can cause serious damage to your teeth. This habit causes your teeth to wear down prematurely, and it could even result in a chip or crack. Ultimately, the best thing to do is just drink ice water. If you need something to chew on, give low-calorie, air-popped popcorn a try.
Dried Fruit
Fruit is good for you, but dried fruit is another story. This is because fruits contain fructose, which is a particular form of sugar. When you eat dried fruit, that sugar, which is extremely sticky, adheres to your teeth. It has the ability to do some serious damage, similar to the damage that candy does. So, instead of choosing dried fruit as your mid-afternoon snack, reach for a handful of nuts. Nuts are protein-rich (and sugar-free), so you will feel satisfied for a longer period of time.
While the aforementioned foods and beverages should be avoided to maintain a healthy, white smile, you may have already suffered damage to your smile. If this is the case, reach out to a cosmetic dentistry professional to explore your options. There are many cosmetic dentistry procedures that can be used to restore your smile to its former beauty.
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