Are You Feeding Cavities? Surprising Foods That Harm Your Teeth

At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we help our patients to develop good oral health habits at home. That’s why we emphasize brushing, flossing and rinsing after each meal and upon waking and at bedtime. But did you know that there’s even more you can do to protect your teeth from the bacteria that cause tooth decay? Here’s a list of surprising food that harm your teeth that your dentist in Owensboro, KY hopes you will avoid as much as possible!

Sticky Dried Fruits

Sure, who doesn’t sneak the occasional fruit roll-up from their child’s snack drawer? Unfortunately, these kinds of sticky dried fruits, including their most sophisticated counterparts, raisins and apricots, are just terrible for your teeth. They’re viewed as nutritious for their vitamin content, but their stickiness causes them to cling to your teeth, allowing sugars to sit and create an ideal environment for cavity-causing bacteria. “Stick” to fresh fruit as an alternative.

Starchy Food

Starchy foods like bread, pasta and chips can break down into sugar and stick in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, increasing the risk of cavities.

Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sports drinks, can also harm your teeth. The acid in these items can wear away tooth enamel over time, weakening your teeth and making them more vulnerable to decay. You should limit consumption of lemonade for this same reason.

Dehydrating Beverages

Surprisingly, beverages like coffee and wine not only stain teeth but can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva production, which is essential for washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. A dry mouth leads to an increased risk of cavities.

Obviously you aren’t going to eliminate all of the items on this list. Just be aware of the risks so you can take countermeasures! Contact your Owensboro, KY dentist for more info!