Did you know that your diet plays a large role in your oral health? There are many foods that can wreak havoc on your teeth and cause cavities if consumed too often! It’s important to be mindful of which foods you consume frequently and how they could be affecting your smile. Keep reading to learn more about which foods you should limit in your diet in order to help prevent tooth decay.
Dessert, Candy & Soda
Harmful mouth bacteria love sugar. Bacteria feed off sugar which causes an acidic reaction in the mouth. This acid eats away at tooth enamel and can also cause infections and gum disease. After eating something filled with sugar, make sure to swish around some water to help wash the sugar off your teeth.
White Bread, Potatoes & Other Starches
Did you know that starch breaks down into sugar? High-starch foods can actually be just as bad for your teeth as eating candy! Starch has an almost-instant chemical reaction when it comes into contact with saliva and turns into sugar. Be mindful of starch-heavy foods as they can contribute to decay and cavities.
Dried Fruit & Other Chewy Foods
More often than not, chewy foods, such as dried fruit and caramel, stick to teeth and in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. These types of food tend to have a high sugar content which is a recipe for disaster if they’re clinging to your teeth. If the sticky residue isn’t removed after you eat, the sugar creates a more acidic environment in the mouth that can lead to tooth decay.
Moderation Is the Key
It’s important to note that you don’t have to completely cut out all of the foods listed above. It’s okay to have them in moderation. We also recommend rinsing your mouth with water and brushing your teeth to help minimize the risk of developing cavities from these certain foods!
Questions about diet and how it affects your oral health? Our River Vista Dentistry team would love to share more information on diet and dental health. Please contact us to learn more!