Treats like candy, cookies, and cakes are notorious cavity-causing foods. This is because their high sugar content gives harmful oral bacteria plenty to feed off so they can release acids that damage your tooth enamel. Unfortunately, sweets aren’t the only foods that can harm your teeth. Read on to learn about five surprising foods and drinks that can cause cavities.
#1: Raisins
Raisins are packed with energy and are rich in fiber. They also contain vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, copper, and vitamin B6. Calcium and boron, both of which can be found in this tasty treat, help you maintain strong bones and good joint health. They can also improve your body’s ability to heal wounds and your cognitive performance. However, since raisins have been dehydrated, they have a much higher sugar concentration. Raisins are also very sticky, which means that they’re difficult to wash out of your mouth.
#2: Saltine Crackers
Saltines contain carbohydrates and processed starches. These are broken down into sugar during digestion, so they feed the bacteria in your mouth just as much as sugar does. Additionally, when crackers are chewed up into small pieces, they find their way into cavities and other places that are difficult to clean.
#3: Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is brimming with fiber, antioxidants, and other things that are good for your body. Unfortunately, the labeling for many products is misleading. Fruit juice that isn’t completely natural is full of added sugar and sweeteners. Even 100% fruit juices like grape, apple, and orange contain just as much sugar as a can of soda!
#4: Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are highly acidic. This means they weaken the tooth enamel, which leaves your pearly whites vulnerable to decay. Many alcoholic mixed drinks are also combined with sodas, juices, and other sweet beverages. On top of that, alcohol also dries out your mouth, which allows oral bacteria to accumulate and wreak havoc on your oral health.
#5: Diet Soda
Though you may think you’re doing your teeth a favor by choosing to drink a diet soda over a regular one, they’re just as acidic. The more diet soda you drink, the more you’re exposing your teeth to unnecessary wear and tear.
By knowing more about the harm these five cavity-causing foods and drinks can do to your teeth, you can work to protect your oral health from harm to keep your smile bright and beautiful!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Mario DeNicola, Dr. Monisha Khanna, and Dr. Douglas Wright, Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry administers exceptional oral health care you can trust to the whole family. They offer a range of comprehensive treatments, including preventive dentistry to help you protect your smile from harm and keep issues from developing. They can also provide guidance on what foods to avoid or eat in moderation to keep cavities at bay and maintain a healthy, bright, and beautiful smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (540) 432-6616 or visit their website.