You may already know that eating too much sugar can potentially harm your teeth, but do you know why? Your mouth is full of germs, and while some support necessary processes like digestion, others contribute to dental problems, such as cavities. Unfortunately, harmful bacteria feed on sugar, which increases the risk of disease or decay.
However, consuming too many sugary snacks isn’t the only way you might get cavities. Continue reading to learn about 3 foods that might also be problematic if you’re not careful, so you can take proper precautions!
Culprit #1: Chips & Crackers
Eating too much sugar can certainly contribute to the formation and progression of cavities, leading many patients to switch out their sweet snacks for more savory options. You might think salty snacks like chips and crackers are safer for your smile, but that’s not necessarily the case!
This is because these starchy foods break down into simple sugars, like glucose, when they come into contact with your saliva. Not only that, but they tend to cling to teeth when biting and chewing, which can attract unwanted bacteria that cause tooth decay. This can be particularly true of anything flavored with sugary or honey.
Culprit #2: Dried Fruits
If you’re trying to stay away from candy and chips but need a quick energy boost during the day, you might think that a box of raisins or a handful of craisins is the perfect solution. After all, they’re made of dried fruits (grapes and cranberries, respectively), which contain many beneficial nutrients that can support your oral and overall health.
Unfortunately, the truth is that dried fruits often contain just as much sugar as the candy bar you’ve been avoiding. Plus, they tend to form a sticky mass when chewing that can get stuck in the grooves of your enamel, encouraging cavities to form.
Culprit #3: Diet Soda
If you’re trying to protect your oral health, lose weight, or manage your blood sugar levels, you might already avoid sugary sodas. Although they can be fizzy, cool, and refreshing, they also attract oral disease-inducing germs.
As a result, many people switch to diet sodas, thinking it’s a healthier option. However, these carbonated beverages contain alternative sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose, which might not directly harm your teeth but do promote the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Furthermore, diet sodas are also often highly acidic, which can erode the protective outer layer of your teeth and allow decay to develop.
Minimizing your consumption of these popular foods, rinsing your mouth with water after eating, and brushing and flossing twice daily can help remove unwanted microbes that cause common dental concerns, including tooth decay. But if you’re concerned that you already have a cavity, it’s time to contact your dentist for an appointment!
Meet the Author
Dr. Kimberly Peters is passionate about helping families in Conyers build and maintain the healthiest, happiest versions of their smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia (now the Augusta University Dental College of Georgia), and today, is committed to continuing education to enhance her skills. She offers a comprehensive menu of services, including tooth-colored fillings, using state-of-the-art technology for more comfortable, accurate outcomes. You can request an appointment on the website or call (770) 922-1666.