(HealthDay News) -- The American Dental Association warns against certain foods and beverages that can contribute to tooth decay. Some foods are more difficult to clean from teeth, and eating them repeatedly can lead to cavities.
Here's the ADA's list of foods you should avoid:
Hard candies -- They tend to be full of sugar and can trigger a dental emergency such as a broken or chipped tooth.
Ice -- Chewing ice can crack a tooth or damage enamel.
Sticky foods -- They can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food.
Crunchy snacks -- They are often filled with starch and can get stuck between teeth, leading to decay.
Soda -- Carbonated soft drinks are acidic and thus bad for your teeth.
Alcohol -- It may lead to dehydration and dry mouth. Excessive alcohol use can lead to decreased saliva.
Sports drinks -- They are often loaded with sugar.
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