Fall Foods to Avoid for Better Dental Health

We talked last month about fall foods that are good for your teeth, but of course there are also some delicacies of fall that are not so good for your teeth. Check out this list of foods that are better eaten sparingly, if at all. If you do eat them, be sure to brush and floss afterwards!

Candy

Halloween is coming up, and if you have children (or if you just have a sweet tooth), you’re likely to end up with candy of many varieties in your home. You already know it’s not good for your teeth, but some types of candy are better than others. Avoid the chewy kind that gets stuck in your teeth and go for chocolate instead. Dark chocolate in particular has antioxidants that are actually good for your teeth, making it a good choice if you need to raid the bucket of treats.

Caramel Apples

If you go to the county fair, you might be tempted by the caramel apples. While the apples themselves are a good choice, the caramel coating, particularly if it’s the hard, sticky kind, is really not. If you do want to indulge, see if the person selling them can cut the apples into wedges. That will reduce how much you’re biting directly into the caramel. You can also try choosing one that has a chocolate coating or a coating that’s less sticky than traditional caramel.

Sweet, Hot Drinks

Sipping hot chocolate, sweetened coffee, and hot apple cider keep you warm and cozy in the fall. Unfortunately, they also keep your teeth bathed in sugar if you’re sipping them frequently. Coffee in particular is also very acidic, which is not good for your enamel. Try sipping herbal tea or green tea without sugar to keep you warm without contributing to tooth decay.

No matter what you’re eating and drinking, be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush twice daily, floss once before bed, and see your dentist regularly. Give us a call if you’re due for a cleaning and checkup!