1

Limit your sugar consumption. Sugar erodes the enamel on your teeth because as it breaks down, it produces acid which wears away your enamel. This makes you more likely to get cavities and tooth decay. Foods to avoid include:

• Sugary sodas. Limit the amount of juice you drink to one glass per day.
• Desserts such as pastries, cakes, ice cream and candies.
• Highly sweetened tea or coffee.

2

Eat fewer sticky foods. These foods leave a thin layer of sugar on your teeth which is difficult to remove and increases your risk of tooth decay. Try to avoid eating:

• Gummy candies
• Granola bars
• Taffy
• Dried fruit like raisins
• Sugary gum. Sugar-free gum is excellent for stimulating saliva production and helping to remove the last little bits of food stuck between your teeth.

3

Scrape your teeth clean with a crunchy fruit or veggie. This particularly effective at the end of a meal or as a healthy snack between meals. Consider eating more:

• Apples
• Broccoli
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Peanuts
• Goji berries
• Seeds

4

Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcohol damages the enamel on your teeth and increases your risk of tooth decay. If you need help quitting drinking there are numerous resources you can draw upon. You can:

• Get support from friends, family, or a support group like Alcoholic Anonymous
• Talk to your doctor about taking medications
• Get counseling
• Try residential treatment