4 Surprising Cavity-Causing Foods

Everyone knows that sugar is not good for your oral health. It’s the primary ingredient in candy, which is notorious for causing cavities in your mouth. Although most people know to eat these sweet treats in moderation, some other lesser-known foods and drinks are just as dangerous to your smile. That said, here are four foods that may surprise you with how much they contribute to the development of cavities.

Raisins

Did you know that a box of raisins has almost as much sugar as a candy bar or a can of soda? When snacking on some raisins, the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth produce harmful acids that eat away at your enamel. Also, since they’re chewy and sticky, raisins can cling to the surface of your teeth for a long time and cause even more damage. Of course, this snack also provides many nutritional benefits, such as aiding digestion, boosting your iron levels, and strengthening your bones. Therefore, it’s okay to consume raisins as long as it’s in moderation. Make sure you thoroughly clean your teeth afterward as well!

Saltine Crackers

It may surprise you to learn that saltine crackers are pretty damaging to your teeth as well. Since it’s composed primarily of carbohydrates and starches, it’s nearly as detrimental to your enamel as sugars are. They both work very similarly, stimulating bacterial growth and encouraging bacteria to eat away at your enamel. Additionally, since the crackers crush into a fine powder when eating them, they cover every nook and cranny in your mouth. It may be difficult to eliminate all of the food particles from your teeth, leaving you at an increased risk of cavities, decay, and other oral health problems.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol drinks contain starches that are known to harm teeth. However, the primary with these beverages is that they can dry out your mouth. If you don’t have enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria will grow much faster and lead to more cavities. That’s because when your mouth becomes a drier-than-normal environment, it turns into a breeding ground for bacteria. To protect your smile, make sure you alternate your drinks with water and stay as hydrated as possible.

Cough Syrup

Cough syrup contains an excessive amount of sugar, to the point where diabetics have to be careful with it. Otherwise, they can accidentally give themselves a dangerous spike in their blood sugar levels. It’s also worth noting that there is no definite proof that over-the-counter cough medicines are even effective at treating coughs. So, the next time you think about giving your children some cough syrup, you may want to think again.

The good news is that you don’t forego these cavity-causing foods completely – just make sure you eat them in moderation. That way, you can keep your smile happy and healthy for years to come!

About the Practice

At The Castleberry Center, we offer exceptional and high-quality dental services unlike anywhere else. Our team uses the latest technologies and techniques to ensure patients receive the best treatment possible. To learn more about cavity-causing foods, visit our website or call (281) 320-9600.