Did you know that cavities are actually one of the most common health problems in the entire world? However, they’re also fairly easily preventable – especially if you take your diet into careful consideration! Continue reading to learn more about some of the most popular and surprising foods out there capable of causing cavities, along with some tips for keeping your smile healthy and bright!
3 of the Most Surprising Cavity-Causing Foods
Candy bars and soda pops are far from the only foods and beverages capable of causing cavities! Believe it or not, several other items can pose a threat to your teeth – even ones that might seem healthy at first glance. Here are four common foods that have a surprisingly high chance of causing cavities:
Raisins
Raisins are just dried and dehydrated grapes, meaning they do provide nutritional benefits. However, they’re also naturally high in sugar content, not to mention, they can stick to the surfaces of your teeth, giving bacteria time to infiltrate your enamel. When consuming raisins, the natural bacteria present in your mouth begin eating away at your enamel – the more time that passes, the more damage is done.
Saltine Crackers
Saltine crackers and a hot bowl of soup are the classic go-to combination for when you’re feeling under the weather, but saltines can actually be quite bad for your teeth. Processed carbohydrates and starches are nearly as damaging to your enamel as sugars are, also stimulating bacterial growth. Plus, saltines are crushed into a fine powder as they’re eaten, covering every crevice in your mouth and making brushing more difficult.
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol’s negative effect on the teeth is different; while some drinks certainly do contain sugars and starches, the primary issue with alcohol and dental health is that these beverages tend to dry out your mouth. Since saliva is your body’s top line of defense against cavities, if you go out drinking and your mouth remains dry due to alcohol, you’re creating a perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive. Plus, it’s also easy to forget to brush after these types of evenings, causing even more harm to the teeth!
Other Tips for Preventing Cavities
While your diet plays a major role in preventing cavities and preserving your oral health, there are fortunately several other measures you can take to safeguard your smile. Consider these useful tips:
- Do not neglect your daily oral hygiene; brush and floss each day, especially after meals and before bedtime.
- Maintain your biannual dental checkups and cleanings; your dentist can spot cavities long before they become big enough to threaten your smile!
- Avoid bad oral habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, or using your teeth as tools; anything that weakens your enamel can increase your chances of getting a cavity.
These aren’t the only foods out there capable of harming your teeth, but they are definitely three that are often overlooked – do your teeth a favor and heed caution whenever you’re consuming them!
About the Practice
The team at Sehnert Precision Dentistry has served the needs of patients and families in Lewisville and the surrounding North Texas community for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment solutions. If you’re dealing with a cavity, they’ll be able to quickly and easily resolve the issue and get your dental health back on track! To learn more about the blog or to schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (972) 634-7779.