One of your worst enemies when it comes to oral health is high sugar content. Artificial sweeteners are like a fuel that fan the flames of cavity-causing bacteria; they accelerate these troublemaker’s growth at a truly alarming rate. Indulgent cereals, decadent candy bars, and sensational ice cream flavors are probably near the top of your list of foods to avoid.
Your teeth will certainly appreciate your efforts to limit your sugary treat consumption, but there are some lesser-known cavity-causers that you might not have thought of. Keep reading for the shocking details!
Wrinkly Raisins
Make no mistake, fruits are good for you, even when dried. Raisins, for example, contain tons of vitamins and minerals, including fiber. Unfortunately, they also contain tons of harmful sugar! The next time you see a box of raisins at the store, compare the sugar content to a bottle of soda. You might decide that trail-mix is no longer a suitable go-to snack.
Bright and Sunny Oranges
Tragically, it’s true – the state staple can spell trouble for your teeth. The problem with citrus fruits is less about sugar and more about the acidity. Acidic foods and drinks will wear down your protective enamel over time, making your pearly whites more vulnerable to all kinds of dental disasters, including cavities. It’s also important to get that vitamin C, though, so rinse your mouth after finishing your orange juice or enjoy this round fruit as part of a balanced meal to help neutralize its acids.
Various Types of Alcohol
Fun cocktails are, well, fun, but can be absolutely loaded with sugar. Beer is more or less a liquid starch, which ultimately breaks down into sugar in your mouth. Not even wine is completely safe! One glass of rosé can make your oral biome as dry as a desert, making it much more difficult for your saliva to help clean bacteria off your teeth.
Moral of The Story? Balance
This list of shocking cavity-causers just goes to show how important it is to watch what you eat. That doesn’t necessarily mean going on a crazy diet, though! Plenty of dieting fads can be just as harmful, especially when they highlight one nutritional group as some sort of superfood.
No, optimal oral health requires more finesse with your meal and snack choices. Many sugary, acidic, or starchy foods are still good for you because of the other vitamins and minerals they contain and shouldn’t be cut out completely. Nine times out of ten, it’s better to simply monitor and limit how often you consume these treats. Balance your eating habits, and your pearly whites can shine for years to come!
About the Practice
As skilled and experience dentists, Dr. Amanda Cobb and Dr. Dan Mazor know just how important good oral health is for promoting good general health. If cavities are on your mind, they’d be happy to help with their expert advice and quality services. Professional cleanings and learning more about your teeth go a long way towards maintaining a happy smile! To contact Dr. Cobb and Dr. Mazor’s office, call 305-680-1553.