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

As your trusted dental clinic in Farnham Common, near Slough, 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. Try sugar-free gum instead if you need something to chew.
8. Using Your Teeth as Tools
   Opening packets or bottle caps with your teeth can crack or damage them. Use scissors-not your smile!
9. Frequent Snacking or Grazing
   Constant snacking keeps your mouth acidic. Stick to set meal times and choose tooth-friendly snacks.
10. Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
    This can wear down enamel, lead to cracks, and cause jaw pain. A custom night guard could 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 Slough Dental Patients

• Local focus: Eating habits like enjoying croissants from local cafés or grazing on treats during a day out in Slough can increase enamel wear.
• Slough convenience: Our clinic is based in Farnham Common, just minutes from central Slough. If something’s worrying you, we’re right around the corner.

Keep Your Smile Healthy in Slough

• Brush gently with a soft-bristle brush twice a day, preferably before breakfast.
• Floss daily to remove trapped food and plaque.
• Limit acidic and sugary snacks-pair indulgences with water or cheese.
• Manage grinding with a bespoke night guard-ask us about it at your next visit.
• Stick to a consistent routine, and visit us regularly in Farnham Common 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 Puresmile Slough Dental & Implants, our Farnham Common clinic. Let’s keep that confident, healthy smile shining-today and always.