Foods & Habits That Are Ruining Your Children’s Teeth — And How to Stop Them

Foods & Habits That Are Ruining Your Children’s Teeth — And How to Stop Them
Ken Nathan
18 Aug, 2025

As your trusted dental clinic in Holloway Road, North London, we’re committed to helping you protect your kids beautiful smiles. Here are some common foods and habits that might be quietly damaging your children’s teeth—and what you can do about it.

Foods That Harm Your Teeth

  • Sugary & Sticky Sweets
    Things like sour candies and sweets linger on your teeth, feeding harmful bacteria that erode enamel. Stick to quick-to-clear treats when possible.
  • Carbonated & Acidic Drinks (Including Diet varieties)
    Even sugar-free fizz drinks are acidic and can wear away enamel over time.
  • Refined Carbohydrates (e.g. White Bread, Chips, Crisps)
    These break down into sugars that feed plaque, increasing acid attacks on teeth.
  • Dried Fruits & Starchy Snacks
    Sticky dried fruit and crackers can cling between teeth, boosting decay risk. 

Habits That Can Damage Your Kids Teeth

  • Brushing Too Hard or Immediately After Eating
    Abrasive brushing or brushing when nerves are softened by acidic food can wear enamel away. Wait at least 30 minutes after meals or brush before breakfast instead.
  • Chewing Hard Objects (e.g. Ice, Pen Caps)
    Hard surfaces can chip or fracture enamel. Replace them with sugar-free gum if you need something to chew.
  • Using Your Teeth as Tools
    Tasks like opening packets of crisps or bottle caps with your teeth can crack or damage them. Teeth are not tools—use scissors instead!
  • Frequent Snacking or Grazing
    Constant snacking means ongoing acid production from bacteria throughout the day. Stick to set meal times and choose tooth-friendly snacks.
  • Teeth Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism)
    This can wear down tooth enamel, lead to cracks, and cause jaw pain. A custom night guard may help.

A Quick Reference Table

CategoryWhat to AvoidHealthy Swap / Tip
Foods & DrinksAcidic sodas and fizzy drinks, sweets, dried fruit, chocolate, refined carbsWater, whole grains, fresh fruits, crunchy veg, cheese
HabitsBrushing too hard/too soon, chewing hard objects, snacking, teeth grinding, using teeth as toolsGentle brushing, delay after meals, soft gum, night guard, use proper tools

Why It Matters for North London Parents

  • Local focus: Eating habits like enjoying sweets and chips from local shops or grazing on treats during a day out in London could speed enamel wear.
  • Convenience: Our clinic is right here in Holloway Road, London N7, so if something’s worrying you, we’re just around the corner.

Keep Your Kids Smile Healthy in North London

  • Brush gently with a soft-bristle brush twice a day, preferably before breakfast
  • Floss daily to remove trapped food and plaque. 
  • Limit acidic, sugary snacks and pair indulgences with water or cheese.
  • Manage grinding with a bespoke night guard—ask us about it at your next visit.
  • Keep your routine consistent, and visit us regularly at N7 Dental Care for check-ups and cleanings.

Ready to Protect Your Children’s Smile?

If you’re concerned your kids daily habits—or favourite snacks—are affecting their dental health, book an appointment at N7 dental Care, our North London dental clinic. Let’s keep that confident, healthy smile shining—today and always.

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