Most of us know that balanced nutrition is good for our overall health and well-being, but many don’t think about how certain foods and drinks can be harmful to teeth. Sugar isn’t the only dietary factor that can damage (and age) a smile. Acidic foods—many of which are considered “healthy” and “nutritious” foods—can wear away tooth enamel, causing teeth to become discolored. When tooth enamel weakens, it leaves teeth exposed and prone to sensitivity and additional cavities.

Highly acidic foods include oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, pickles, cranberries, tomatoes, and tomato products (pasta sauce, ketchup, salsa), coffee, alcohol, and wine. It’s impossible to completely avoid these foods and we don’t suggest that. However, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact of acidic foods on your teeth.

• Don’t Brush Right After Eating: Sounds counter-intuitive to what we have always been told, right? Brushing after a meal is generally a good idea, but avoid doing so right after consuming acidic foods. Acid softens tooth enamel and brushing too soon will only speed up tooth wear before the enamel has time to settle again.

• Balanced Eating: When consuming acidic foods, choose to eat them alongside foods that have a higher pH level, and are therefore low in acidity. These foods neutralize acids and put minerals back into the teeth. Examples of foods with high pH levels include: nuts, cheese, oatmeal, mangos, melons, bananas, apples, eggs, vegetables, brown rice, and whole grains. Fish and lean meats also have low levels of acid.

• Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water helps cleanse the mouth of these acids.

• Use a Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps to repair tooth enamel and reduce risk of decay. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoride further revitalizes tooth enamel. Swishing with a fluoride mouthwash will also help to lessen the severity of any dental erosion.

• See Your Dentist Regularly: See your dental professional twice a year for dental cleanings, which play an important role in maintaining good oral health by helping to identify dental erosion in its early stages.

Knowing the effects of what you eat and drink will keep smiles bright and teeth healthy and will only help you enjoy your favorite cuisine.

Tobias Family Dentistry is located at 402 Fox Glen Court in Barrington, 847-371-3356, tobiasfamilydentistry.com.