Food & Drinks To Avoid For Your Dental Health

Keeping care of your teeth is vital, and while brushing and flossing are great preventative measures, a key way to keep your teeth healthy is to think carefully about what foods and drinks you consume.

Here is Riyo Dental’s quick guide to some of the food and drinks to avoid for better dental health.

Sweets

Hard sweets take a while to get through, and the more time it is in your mouth the more time bacteria has to build up. Also biting down on hard sweets can chip your teeth easily, which no amount of dental hygiene can heal!

As well as hard sweets, you should also avoid chewy ones. They also stay in your mouth for a while, especially extra-chewy ones such as caramels. Sour-based sweets are also full of more harmful substances, so think twice before browsing the sweet aisle!

Soft Drinks & Coffee

Probably one of the most talked about drinks to avoid are soft drinks and coffee. Soft drinks are more acidic and corrosive than normal drinks, while coffee can stain your teeth and attract bacteria. If you must drink them, try and drink them while eating food, as it can help to neutralise the acid.

While some of the drinks we have mentioned are bad for your teeth, some of the damage can be avoided by using a straw to drink them. This way the drink has less chance to coat your teeth and cause any distress.

Citrus Fruits/Juices

While fruit can be good for your insides, it can be harmful to your teeth. Citrus fruits and drinks, particularly ones such as lemons and grapefruits, are highly acidic and can erode the enamel layer of your teeth.

Crackers

This one seems quite random, but crackers and other biscuits can be bad for your teeth. The carbohydrates convert to sugar in the mouth, which can lead to cavity-forming bacteria. They can also lodge between teeth easily, which can lead to trouble!

Pickles

While pickles are a favoured snack by many, they are not a great snack for your teeth. Acid is essential to the pickling process, and this acid is harmful to your enamel.

Riyo Dental – Your Private Dentist

No matter how much time you spend protecting your teeth, it is also recommended to visit a dentist occasionally. Here at Riyo Dental, we are a highly experienced private dentist in Stretford, able to offer a great range of treatments at affordable prices.

We take the time to tailor treatment plans for your needs, giving each of our new patients an initial consultation to decide on what is best for you. Our treatments include both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help, contact us today.

Here's What People Say About Their Experience

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 532 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Helen Hussey 
 5 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an emergency appointment today. Booked in and seen within a short space of time. Received a welcoming and friendly service from the lovely Frankie, who is an asset to the practice. The dentist and dental nurse were very professional and reassuring. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the practice.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Wendy Gill 
 31 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had to attend Riyo Dental Sunday as one of my front teeth fell out and I was so upset. At the surgery I felt more relaxed by the lovely staff. The dentist sorted out the gap where my tooth was and I was so grateful to her. I feel much better today knowing I don't have an awful gap in my mouth. Thankyou
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Imran Chohan 
 26 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service as normal!! Nihad is extremely professional and delivered a caring and excellent treatment.  I actually fear going to the dentist but Nihad and the team make it comfortable and are very caring.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Len Hodges 
 21 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been treated by Jabir, he has explained the treatment I have had in precise detail and has been professional in his approach to my concerns. I am very pleased with the treatment Jabir has completed for me with a superb outcome and appearance.thank you Jabir
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   shuaib chaudhary 
 18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional,curteous team. I am really thankful for prompt care recieved from Dr Nihad. It is blessing to have such a group of professionals available.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sara H 
 28 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nihad is an excellent dentist, his service comes with great skill and profession, he is kind and caring and has always seen me at the first availability when needed. He also couldn’t do his job without His nurse Amy who is highly skilled, lighthearted and makes you feel at ease. Iv got no bad things to say and I have been a patient for years. Thank you for providing excellent care, could not recommend you guys enough :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michelle Oliveira 
 28 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really quick and pain free experience - great dentist and great experience
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sally Jowett 
 28 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First time here. Was referred by my usual dentist for a root canal. After some chair investigation and an additional CT scan it was revealed I didn't need it. Had some other work done instead to replace the filling and protect the root nerve. All pain free. Nihad and Amy were both lovely and professional. Highly recommended.