Foods to Avoid for Maintaining Dental Health

Along with dental care activities, nutritional diet ensures perfect oral health. Having healthy foods may not make any effect if you simultaneously consume foods that damage your teeth. So, be aware of the foods to be avoided to maintain dental health.

Foods with high sugar content damage your teeth causing dental caries or cavities. So, food products such as white sugar, brown sugar, evaporated cane juice, organic sugar, corn syrup, or commercial jams and candies that are sticky in consistency should be avoided. Certain microorganisms present on the teeth surface use these sugars and convert them to acid. Exposure of tooth surface to acid for a long time causes erosion of tooth enamel. Gradually, the calcium of tooth dissolves causing tooth decay. Junk foods that lack nutritional elements like vitamins and minerals should also be avoided to prevent formation of dental decay and cavities.


In general, vitamin C-rich foods are good for dental health. However, if taken in excess amounts, the ascorbic acid of the vitamin causes tooth erosion. Even tomatoes, that are rich in acidic content, may cause teeth damage. So, ensure that you have them in moderate levels and rinse your mouth after eating to avoid the acid effect.

Drinks like coffee, tea, and soft drinks, when taken in large amounts, stain your teeth over time as they have coloring agents. The artificial ingredients of these items may also weaken the enamel structure and make them susceptible to dental caries. Alcohol, is the other major drink, to be avoided to maintain dental health – it enhances tooth discoloration and dental caries. Avoiding these foods and following healthy dental practices prevent any sort of dental problems.