What Are Surprising Cavity-Causing Foods?

Fruit juice, soft drinks, candy, chips – some cavity-causing foods and drinks don’t come as a surprise. But sometimes, lesser-known items can pose a threat to your oral health. Keep reading as your dentist in Freedom discusses some sneaky items you should avoid, or at least be mindful of how much you consume.

Saltine Crackers

If you aren’t feeling too well, you may find yourself curled up on the couch with a blanket, your favorite bowl of soup, and some saltines. However, these crackers certainly aren’t doing much for your smile. Starchy snacks are almost as bad for your teeth as sugar is.

They also stimulate bacterial growth and encourage the bacteria to eat away at your protective enamel. In the end, you could have additional cavities.

Raisins

Raisins provide many nutritional benefits since they have an array of vitamins, healthy fiber, and minerals. However, they aren’t so good for your teeth. Raisins have high sugar content. The bacteria in your mouth love eating sugar and ultimately, you will be more likely to experience tooth decay.

The biggest problem with raisins is they stick to teeth and aren’t washed away easily. This snack is definitely one to save for occasional enjoyment.

Cough Syrup

Even though you think of cough syrup as something that will help you feel better when you’re sick, it certainly isn’t doing good things for your smile. There is a lot of sugar in this product to fuel the growth of bacteria. Ingredients like citric acid can also wear down the protective enamel of your teeth, leaving them in danger of decay.

Alcoholic Beverages

The main issue with alcohol is that it dries out your mouth. This is because it dehydrates your body and leads to lower saliva production. Saliva is necessary for your oral health. It helps to neutralize harmful acids and washes away food particles and bacteria.

When your mouth is dryer than normal, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Ultimately, you are more likely to experience halitosis (bad breath) and tooth decay in the future. Drinking water is healthy for a lot of reasons and this is one of them.

The next time you are planning to consume these items, keep in mind how they’ll affect your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth afterward and drink water when you do choose them. By making wise decisions about what you consume and regularly visiting your dentist in Freedom, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy smile for many years to come.

About the Authors

Dr. Robert Heil earned his dental doctorate from the University of Minnesota. In 2009, he joined forces with his wife, Dr. Heather Heil, in a shared office. She also attended the University of Minnesota to earn her dental degree. They can tell you some other foods and beverages to avoid or exercise moderation with when you have your next checkup and cleaning which you can schedule on their website or by calling (920) 788-6280.