Sedation dentistry offers you the chance to keep your teeth in optimal care no matter how uneasy you are about dental procedures. Another way that you can strive to achieve oral health is developing good habits. After all, a good dental care routine is essential for healthy teeth and gums, but there is more than meets the eye (and tooth) than brushing, flossing, and swishing. Other choices also have an impact on how great your smile looks and how healthy your teeth are underneath it all. What you eat and drink can contribute to plaque build-up, tooth decay, chipped teeth, and more. Only eat the following foods or drinks on a regular basis if you don't care about losing your pearly whites.

Ice

How can you go wrong with ice? After all, it is simply frozen water, and water is a recommended beverage for your health. Well, the truth is that ice can do some major damage in your mouth. When you chew on ice, its hard surface can break or chip a tooth, and chewing ice can also damage the enamel of your teeth. It's best to stick with H20 as a liquid.

Hard Candy

Hard candy is one of the biggest culprits in tooth damage. It is bad for you in multiple ways. For starters, the hard surface of the candy can break or crack tooth enamel when you try chewing the candy before it has fully dissolved in your mouth. It may very well do more damage when you let it linger in your mouth since that is giving your teeth constant exposure to the sugar for however long you suck on the candy.

Sodas of All Kinds

You may expect sugary sodas to be on a do-not-drink for dental care, but it's more than the sugar-laden stuff that should be avoided. Even diet soda can contribute to tooth erosion. Its acids can do a number on your tooth enamel. Instead, reach for water when possible. If you really want to drink a can of soda, try to sip it through a straw to minimize its exposure to your teeth.

Dried Fruit

Alright, fresh fruit is healthy for you in many ways, and the same is true for dried fruit. However, keep in mind that dried fruit is both sticky and sweet. It can get stuck between your teeth, and its high sugar content can help the bacteria in your mouth thrive. It can cause damage before you have the chance to brush it away.

Finally, keep in mind that your dental health cannot be simply summed up in terms of a care routine or damage caused by one single snack. However, your daily habits have a big impact on how healthy and appealing your teeth are, so try to make smart choices each day. That will usually include avoiding these foods and beverages.