Good oral hygiene is more than brushing and flossing. Even if you are diligent about regular checkups and professional dental cleanings, watching what you eat could play a huge part in your overall oral health.

According to Dr. Bill Dorfman, guest dentist on the Doctors and America’s dentist featured on Extreme Makeover, what you put in your mouth can have a dramatic affect on your teeth when it comes to good oral hygiene.

Dr. Dorfman recommends you avoid the following for good oral hygiene if you want to keep your teeth free from decay.

Starch-You may love pretzels and potato chips, but your teeth, not so much. All refined carbohydrates are bad for your teeth as they immediately convert to sugars triggering acid production. That acid will cause bacteria to form. White bread, pretzels, pasta, and potato chips will lodge between the crevices in your teeth. If you do indulge rinse with water and be sure to brush when you can.

Sugar-One of the worst foods that you can consume, sugar is responsible for tooth decay and enamel erosion. The bad bacteria in your mouth love sugar. An overabundance of sugar is usually the first step when it comes to dental caries. Although it is impossible to eliminate sugar from your diet, try to avoid refined sugar and drink lots of water.

Acid-Everyone knows how damaging acid can be, but highly acidic foods that have a low Ph rating can be very dangerous. Acids will erode the enamel on your teeth. Weakened enamel can cause discolored teeth, tooth sensitivity and tooth decay. Try to avoid coffee, which stains your teeth as well, tomatoes, alcohol, pickles, and citrus fruits.

Sticky-You may savor the last taste of that caramel that you enjoyed an hour ago, but you can bet your teeth are not. Gummy bears, dried fruit, licorice, saltwater taffy, and your favorite caramels stay in between your teeth and attach to the fissures and grooves. Because of the prolonged presence, the bacteria will produce more acid. If allowed to stay put, you will see tooth decay. Brush and floss as quickly as possible after those unavoidable sweet treats.

If you would like more information regarding good oral hygiene, or haven’t been to the dentist for some time, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bill Dorfman today.