When it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth and a bright smile, prevention is always the first and foremost method of success. Dental professionals would agree that oral health is hinged on proper and regular habits like brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visits to the dentist. Without keeping prevention in mind, it is often difficult to overcome hurdles like tooth decay and cavities. Things like crowns and fillings and even professional whitening can do wonders to make your teeth brighter and stronger, but, in reality, avoiding stains and cavities is the most efficient way to maintain oral health. Whether you realize it or not, food plays a huge role in keeping teeth clean, cavity-free, and white. So, before you reach for that cup of coffee, let’s take a look at some of the top foods and beverages that contribute to cavities, tooth decay, and other dangerous issues in the mouth.

The following list is in no particular order, but these foods and drinks are particularly bad for your teeth:

  1. Cereals, most of them are packed with sugar
  2. Wine, both red and white
  3. Hard and chewy candies
  4. Soda, coffee, and tea
  5. Crackers and other snacks made with refined carbohydrates
  6. Dried fruit, typically packed with sugar
  7. Sugar
  8. Pickles, the acid in the vinegar wears your tooth enamel away
  9. Citrus fruits, think lemons or limes
  10. Sports drink and fruit juices
  11. Alcohol, which decreases the mouth’s natural saliva production
  12. Sauces like tomato sauce and soy sauce
  13. Chewable vitamins, another surprising one but these are made with added sugar

For optimal oral health, do your best to avoid these foods and beverages. However, when they are consumed, be sure to rinse, brush, and floss to keep your smile bright and white. In addition, if possible go for alternatives like sugarless gum, dairy products, fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. These foods and drinks will help to balance out some of the negative effects that come from consuming food that is bad for your teeth.