At Smiles by Shields, we recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy in order bolster dental health: cheese, vegetables, and fruit all provide benefits for your teeth. But now that you know what to add to your diet, what should you avoid? Just in time for Halloween, we break down the worst items for dental health.

When you drink and munch starchy or sugary foods, you’re not only feeding yourself, you’re feeding the plaque that can wreak havoc in your mouth. The sugary foods serve as fuel for bacteria that live in plaque, and the byproduct of their sugar-metabolization is acid, which weakens your tooth enamel. To make it simpler, avoid any food that combines sugar, acid and stickiness. That includes sour, chewy candies like Starburst and Skittles.

So before you trick-or-treat and indulge in some chewy, sugary goodness, consider this: you’re feeding the bacteria in your mouth! Instead, choose sugar-free candies or fruits. If you do indulge in sugary snacks, be sure to brush 20-40 minutes later in order to cleanse your teeth. Dr. Tiffany Shields is your Jacksonville dentist for a healthy diet and a healthy mouth!