What Are the Different Cavity-Causing Foods or Drinks?

Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, and they are almost always preventable. Cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth produce acid that weakens and destroys tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of a tooth. It protects the tooth from infection and cavities. They are caused by a combination of factors, including poor oral hygiene, diet, and oral hygiene habits. They are also very common in children and teens. This is because they are at an increased risk for cavities due to tooth development and diet. 

Cavity-causing foods include the following:

Starchy Foods

Most foods with starch are also high in sugar, which greatly contributes to tooth decay. Some of these foods are obvious offenders, like candy and cookies, but they aren’t the only ones you need to avoid. Starch is in many processed foods, so check the food labels for these foods. Avoiding starchy foods may be harder to do during the holidays when many popular dishes contain them. Pay special attention to mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, chips, bread, rolls, pasta, rice, tortillas and pie.

Also, be diligent about your oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing twice a day is crucial for preventing cavities. Don’t forget to floss as well. 

Sugary Drinks

We all know that soda and other sugary drinks can cause serious damage to your teeth, but you may not realize just how many calories these drinks are filled with as well. Overconsumption of sodas can be detrimental to your health as well as to your teeth. If you choose to drink these beverages, try to do so in moderation. It’s best to drink water or unsweetened tea instead. If you must indulge in a soda, use a straw to limit the amount of sugar that can come in contact with your teeth. Consider substituting soda for water altogether. Your body will thank you!

Sugary Foods

Ice cream, cookies, or candy foods are particularly dangerous because they stick to teeth for a long time without breaking down into chunks that can be washed away with saliva. They can cause the most damage to teeth by eroding enamel and causing cavities to form. Avoiding these foods entirely is the best way to protect your teeth – but if you do consume them, make sure to use a toothbrush to thoroughly rinse them out with water afterward. That way, you’ll at least be removing some of the cavity-causing bacteria from your mouth.

Carbonated Drinks

Soda, wine, beer, and other carbonated drinks contain acid that erodes the enamel on teeth. When consumed regularly, these beverages can cause cavities in your teeth. If you do drink soda or other acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth soon after drinking to help reduce the chance of cavities.

Mt. Pleasant Family Dental, located in Mt Pleasant, TX, is equipped with the best dentists and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (903) 345-6065 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about dental treatments provided at the dental practice.