4 Surprising Foods That Cause Cavities!

You already know that energy drinks and sugary candy aren’t the best options when it comes to your oral health. By limiting these treats, you can give your enamel a break. However, there are various other foods and beverages that can have negative effects on your teeth. You may not even know that they are harmful. Here are some of the unsuspected cavity-causing foods and drinks that you should be wary of.

Raisins

Raisins offer several nutritional benefits and make delicious snacks. They are packed with healthy fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, as for oral health, they can do more harm than good. Raisins have a high sugar content. The bacteria in your mouth love to consume sugar, so you are likely to develop tooth decay. The thing that makes raisins even worse is that they are sticky, so they don’t easily wash away with water. This is a snack to save for occasions.

Alcoholic Drinks

The main issue with alcoholic beverages is that they dry out your mouth. This happens because alcohol dehydrates your body, leading to lower salivary production. Saliva is necessary for your mouth to stay healthy. It helps to neutralize harmful acids in the mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria. When your mouth is dryer than normal, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you drink alcohol, you are more likely to experience halitosis and tooth decay. By limiting your alcohol intake, you can promote a healthier smile.

Saltine Crackers

We are in the midst of soup season! A favorite addition to a hot bowl of your favorite soup is some saltine crackers. Whether you prefer clap chowder tomato basil, or chicken noodle, having something crunchy to complement it is a plus. However, the carbohydrates in saltine crackers turn to sugar in the mouth, resulting in the growth of bacteria. Starchy snacks are pretty much as bad for your teeth as sugar. Ultimately, you are more likely to develop tooth decay.

Cough Syrup

Being sick is never fun! The good news is that there are cough syrups available to help soothe your sore throat and relieve your cough. However, they aren’t doing too much for your smile. There is a lot of sugar in this product, fueling the growth of bacteria. Ingredients, like citric acid, can also wear down the protective enamel of your teeth, putting them at risk of decay. Look for a sugar-free option and make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

Next time you are about to have one of the items above, make sure that you consider your oral health. If you aren’t careful, you could end up needing a dental filling! By being mindful, you can make the best decision for your oral and overall health.

About the Practice

At Waterbury Smiles, Dr. Luciano Marini, Dr. Ann Marie Mancini, and Dr. Alexandra Galante work together to treat patients in the Waterbury community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about keeping your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (203) 575-9097.