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10 Foods & Habits That Are Ruining Your Teeth – And How to Stop Them

As your trusted dental clinic in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, we’re committed to helping you protect that beautiful smile. Here are ten common foods and habits that might be quietly damaging your teeth-and what you can do about it.

Foods That Harm Your Teeth

1. Sugary & Sticky Sweets
   Things like sour candies and sweets linger on your teeth, feeding harmful bacteria that erode enamel. Stick to quick-to-clear treats when possible.
2. Carbonated & Acidic Drinks (Including Diet varieties)
   Even sugar-free fizzy drinks are acidic and can wear away enamel over time.
3. Refined Carbohydrates (e.g. White Bread, Chips, Crisps)
   These break down into sugars that feed plaque, increasing acid attacks on teeth.
4. Dried Fruits & Starchy Snacks
   Sticky dried fruit and crackers can cling between teeth, boosting decay risk.
5. Alcohol
   Alcohol dries your mouth, reducing saliva protection and increasing enamel vulnerability.

Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth

6. Brushing Too Hard or Immediately After Eating
   Abrasive brushing or brushing when enamel is softened by acidic food can wear it away. Wait at least 30 minutes after meals or brush before breakfast instead.
7. Chewing Hard Objects (e.g. Ice, Pen Caps)
   Hard surfaces can chip or fracture enamel. Replace them with sugar-free gum if you need something to chew.
8. Using Your Teeth as Tools
   Tasks like opening packets or bottle caps with your teeth can crack or damage them. Teeth are not tools-use scissors instead!
9. Frequent Snacking or Grazing
   Constant snacking means ongoing acid production from bacteria throughout the day. Stick to set meal times and choose tooth-friendly snacks.
10. Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
    This can wear down tooth enamel, lead to cracks, and cause jaw pain. A custom night guard may help.

A Quick Reference Table

Category	What to Avoid	Healthy Swap / Tip
Foods & Drinks	Acidic sodas, sweets, dried fruit, alcohol, refined carbs	Water, whole grains, fresh fruits, crunchy veg, cheese
Habits	Brushing too hard/too soon, chewing hard objects, snacking, teeth grinding, using teeth as tools	Gentle brushing, delay after meals, soft gum, night guard, use proper tools

Why It Matters for Marlow Dental Patients

• Local focus: Eating habits like enjoying croissants from local cafés or grazing on treats during a day out in Marlow could speed enamel wear.
• Marlow convenience: Our clinic is right here in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, so if something’s worrying you, we’re just around the corner.

Keep Your Smile Healthy in Marlow

• Brush gently with a soft-bristle brush twice a day, preferably before breakfast.
• Floss daily to remove trapped food and plaque.
• Limit acidic, sugary snacks and pair indulgences with water or cheese.
• Manage grinding with a bespoke night guard-ask us about it at your next visit.
• Keep your routine consistent, and visit us regularly in Marlow for check-ups and cleanings.

Ready to Protect Your Smile?

If you’re concerned your daily habits-or favourite snacks-are affecting your dental health, book an appointment at Courthouse Dental & Implants, our Marlow clinic. Let’s keep that confident, healthy smile shining-today and always.