{"id":47879,"date":"2025-04-08T11:37:56","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T09:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/?p=47879"},"modified":"2026-06-05T08:20:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T06:20:12","slug":"complete-guide-understanding-and-eliminating-bad-breath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/complete-guide-understanding-and-eliminating-bad-breath\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Top Foods for Your Teeth (and 5 to Avoid at All Costs!) | Dental Geneva"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining a healthy smile, but did you know that diet also plays a major role in oral health? <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Certain nutrients can promote <a href=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/why-do-my-teeth-hurt-7-common-and-often-overlooked-causes\/\" class=\"link\">cavities<\/a> or tooth sensitivity, while others strengthen dental health. Before your next trip to the supermarket, it is worth knowing which foods and snacks are better for your teeth than others. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns link has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-10641bd3f9c5201eb0c9e4b450c2ad66 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"color:#c4707c;background-color:#c4707d12\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"DGVA_blog_toc_heading wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Worst Foods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#sucres-collants\">Sticky Sugars<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#agrumes\">Citrus Fruits<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#aliments-riches-en-amidon\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#aliments-riches-en-amidon\">Starchy Foods<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sodas\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#sodas\">Sodas<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#alcool\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#alcool\">Alcohol<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best Foods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#produits-laitiers\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#produits-laitiers\">Dairy Products<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#legumes\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#legumes\">Vegetables<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#fruits-a-coque\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#fruits-a-coque\">Nuts<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#proteines-maigres\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#proteines-maigres\">Lean Proteins<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#the-vert\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#the-vert\">Green Tea<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:80px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"causes-invisibles-de-la-mauvaise-haleine\" class=\"wp-block-heading blog-title-h2\">Worst Foods <\/h2>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s start by delving into the foods we should avoid and the reasons behind this. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"sucres-collants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Sticky Sugars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Sweet treats such as caramels, lollipops, and gummy bears attach to the teeth, allowing bacteria to release <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidcr.nih.gov\/health-info\/tooth-decay\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">acids<\/a> that degrade the tooth structure and provoke cavities.<br\/><br\/><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Avoid these refined sugars altogether or brush your teeth well immediately after to remove any piece of leftover candy that might be stuck to your teeth.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"agrumes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Citrus Fruits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">The acidity of freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice may deteriorate your teeth\u2019s enamel in the long run. This tooth surface <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24401351\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">erosion<\/a> causes sensitivity to cold and hot foods and may lead to extreme discomfort. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Do not brush your teeth right after eating or drinking citrus fruits because you will spread the acidity through the mouth; instead, rinse with water to neutralize the pH. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"aliments-riches-en-amidon\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Starchy foods<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Although chips, white bread, and pasta do not taste sweet, they all contain <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/173273\/nutrients\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">refined carbohydrates<\/a> that break down into sugars. So it is important to remember that not only sweet-tasting products can cause cavity formation but also salty snacks. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"sodas\" class=\"wp-block-heading blog-title-h2\"><strong>4. Sodas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Carbonated drinks are a combination of evil and worse, given that they contain both excessive amounts of sugar as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0308814601001583\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">phosphoric and citric acids<\/a>, which can weaken tooth structure if consumed in large quantities. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Use a straw or similar to citrus fruits; it is recommended that you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and wait for 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1319\" height=\"1385\" src=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/echelle-ph-aliments-sante-dentaire-dental-geneva.webp\" alt=\"Food pH scale showing the acidic and alkaline effects on teeth, DentalGeneva.\" class=\"wp-image-47945\" style=\"width:608px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/echelle-ph-aliments-sante-dentaire-dental-geneva.webp 1319w, https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/echelle-ph-aliments-sante-dentaire-dental-geneva-286x300.webp 286w, https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/echelle-ph-aliments-sante-dentaire-dental-geneva-975x1024.webp 975w, https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/echelle-ph-aliments-sante-dentaire-dental-geneva-143x150.webp 143w, https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/echelle-ph-aliments-sante-dentaire-dental-geneva-768x806.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1319px) 100vw, 1319px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Food pH Scale:<br\/>From Acidic to Alkaline for Optimal Dental Health.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"alcool\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Alcohol<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Increased <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21542250\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">alcohol<\/a> consumption is known to lead to dehydration, which can subsequently result in a dry mouth. Saliva typically functions as a protective lubricant for our teeth and the surrounding structures. When there is a deficiency, we are more likely to be exposed to cavities and gum disease.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Drink 3 liters of water per day, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dgva-cta-praticien\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LIsa-copie-2.webp\" alt=\"Liza Bartley, Dental Hygienist at DentalGeneva\"\/>\n<div class=\"dgva-info\">\n<div class=\"dgva-label\">Your Hygienist<\/div>\n<h3>Mme Liza Bartley<\/h3>\n<p>Dental Hygienist. DentalGeneva, Central Geneva. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/contact\/#rendez-vous-dental-geneva\" data-cta=\"praticien-rdv\" data-campaign=\"aliments-dents\" class=\"dgva-btn\">Book an appointment <span>\u2192<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Foods <\/h2>\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2026 So what can we eat !? <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"produits-laitiers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Dairy Products<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Milk, cheese, and <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/170894\/nutrients\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">yogurt<\/a> are all rich in <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10887650\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">calcium and phosphate<\/a>, which are key in protecting the mouth from acidity and allowing the remineralization of the teeth.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Avoid sweet and flavored yogurt or milk, because they will have the opposite effect due to the added sugars.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1003\" height=\"1003\" src=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/aliments-bons-pour-dents-sante-bucco-dentaire-dental-geneva.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47952\" style=\"width:458px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/aliments-bons-pour-dents-sante-bucco-dentaire-dental-geneva.webp 1003w, https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/aliments-bons-pour-dents-sante-bucco-dentaire-dental-geneva-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/aliments-bons-pour-dents-sante-bucco-dentaire-dental-geneva-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/aliments-bons-pour-dents-sante-bucco-dentaire-dental-geneva-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1003px) 100vw, 1003px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"legumes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Vegetables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/170472\/nutrients\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vegetables<\/a> also contain minerals mentioned previously that allow for the countering of the effects of demineralization. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fiber in vegetables can sometimes make them hard to chew. However, this is a natural toothbrush that can remove some plaque buildup and increase mouth lubrication due to increased saliva production. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Always include veggies! <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"fruits-a-coque\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Nuts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/food-details\/168600\/nutrients\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Nuts<\/a> are also packed with essential minerals and fiber, and their texture promotes the cleanliness of the tooth surface. Additionally, its healthy fats (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4962497\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Omega-3<\/a>) allow for beneficial effects on the gums by reducing inflammation. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Snack on raw and unsalted nuts.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"proteines-maigres\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Lean Proteins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu provide essential nutrients for healthy teeth and <a href=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/what-to-do-if-your-gums-are-bleeding\/\" class=\"link\">gums<\/a>. They reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Avoid processed meats such as sausages and bacon. They promote <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8187263\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">poor oral health<\/a> by causing plaque buildup, which increases the risk of cavities and gum irritation.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 id=\"the-vert\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Green Tea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"link wp-block-paragraph\">Green tea stops the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4962497\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">prevents the body<\/a> from overreacting to inflammation, further preventing unnecessary gum damage.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Avoid adding sugar to your tea.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:80px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re welcome to ask any questions that you might have about diet and oral health in your next appointment with a hygienist or a dentist at DentalGeneva!<br\/>See you soon!<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"dgva-next-step\">\n<h3>What&#8217;s next?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"dgva-next-step-grid\">\n<div class=\"dgva-next-step-card dgva-card-violet\">\n<h4>Continue<br\/>reading<\/h4>\n<p>Bleeding gums, bad breath,<br\/>electric or manual toothbrush<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/blog-tips\/\" data-cta=\"nextstep-articles\" data-campaign=\"aliments-dents\" class=\"dgva-btn dgva-btn-sm\">Our articles <span>\u2192<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dgva-next-step-card dgva-card-fuchsia\">\n<h4>Learn<br\/>more<\/h4>\n<p>Dental Hygiene and Teeth Whitening in Geneva<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/dental-hygiene-and-teeth-whitening\/\" data-cta=\"nextstep-quiz\" data-campaign=\"aliments-dents\" class=\"dgva-btn dgva-btn-sm\">Dental Hygiene <span>\u2192<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dgva-next-step-card dgva-card-gold\">\n<h4>Book<br\/>an appointment<\/h4>\n<p>Liza Bartley \u00b7 Scaling<br\/>+ dental hygiene assessment<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/contact\/#rendez-vous-dental-geneva\" data-cta=\"nextstep-rdv\" data-campaign=\"aliments-dents\" class=\"dgva-btn dgva-btn-sm\">Book an appointment <span>\u2192<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Certain nutrients can lead to cavities or tooth sensitivity, while others promote dental health.<br \/>Before your next trip to the grocery store, it might be interesting to know which foods and snacks are better for your teeth than others. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":47932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-non-classifiee"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47879"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47879\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53032,"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47879\/revisions\/53032"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dentalgeneva.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}