As you age, maintaining good dental health becomes increasingly important. One key factor is managing your carbohydrate intake. Here are some tips on which carbs to cut back on: 1. **Sugary drinks, sodas, and fruit juices**: These often contain added sugars that can harm your teeth. Replace them with sparkling water with real fruit juice or lightly sweetened teas. 2. **White bread**: Opt for whole grain or whole wheat bread instead. 3. **Pasta**: Choose whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta, or use vegetables like zucchini and squash to make veggie noodles. 4. **French fries and potato chips**: Even fat-free and low-sodium chips are packed with bad carbs. Consider chips made from sweet potatoes or black beans, or make veggie chips at home. 5. **Cookies, cakes, and pastries**: These baked goods are high in sugar and butter. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh, frozen, or dried fruit. 6. **Candy, chocolate, and ice cream**: Fresh fruit is a healthier substitute for these sugary treats. 7. **White rice**: While not as bad as other processed foods, it's still better to choose whole-grain alternatives like brown rice or quinoa. 8. **Flavored yogurts**: Add fresh or frozen fruit to plain yogurt to avoid the bad carbs found in flavored versions. 9. **Sugary cereals**: Replace these with natural, whole-grain cereals or unprocessed oatmeal with fresh fruit. Always check the Nutrition Facts on food labels, even for items labeled “low fat” or “sugar free,” to ensure you're making healthy choices. By being mindful of your carbohydrate sources, you can maintain better dental health as you age.