Cavities are Common Oral Health Issues, But Dentists Say These Foods and Drinks Can Help Protect Your Teeth
Even sugar-free products can be dangerous for your enamel
Nobody likes being told they need a filling at the dentist’s office. It’s uncomfortable and time-consuming, and we like to avoid it whenever possible. A proper oral hygiene routine — brushing and flossing daily and nightly — is imperative to prevent gum disease, but we can also make decisions throughout the day that reduce chances of an irritating cavity. For example, we know which foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay if not consumed moderately, but there are also certain snacks and beverages you can be eating or drinking that have the opposite effect of sugary cavity-causers.
What is a cavity?
Aside from the fact that they’re annoying (and root canal culprits), do you know exactly what cavities are? A cavity is the result of tooth decay, which begins when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface (enamel). This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, which is a cavity. In most cases, a filling is all that’s needed to cure a cavity, but if left untreated, it can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss.
Foods and drinks that can cause cavities
It’s equally important to know which products to limit as it is to prioritize enamel-friendly ingredients. Foods and drinks high in sugar and simple carbohydrates like white bread and pasta that break down into sugar contribute significantly to tooth decay.
Woman's World Answers
“Foods that have high sugar can cause cavities as they can damage tooth enamel when they react with bacteria in the mouth,” explains Alexander Vaiman, DDS. “These include candy, chocolate, sweets as well as sugary drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can also cause cavities which include citric fruits such as oranges alcohol and carbonated beverages.”
Streptococcus Mutans is the specific bacteria responsible for cavities. They live in our oral cavity and are present in everyone, Dr. Vaiman says, adding that they unfortunately are not susceptible to treatment with antibiotics.
“However, it is not just the eating of these high sugary foods that is an issue, it is also the time of the day we consume them,” he points out. “During the day, our bodies produce saliva that is very basic in nature, and it is responsible for removing the acidity that contributes to tooth decay. Streptococcus Mutans utilize sugar to produce acids that contribute to breakdown of dental enamel, and therefore cause cavities.”
Carbs like pretzels, chips and crackers that stick in the grooves of your teeth can wreak even more havoc, says Naomi Levy Goldman, DDM, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentist at Levy Goldman Dentistry. This occurs because they eventually break down to sugar as well and tend to stick around longer than something like chocolate which melts quickly, she explains.
Diet sodas, sugar-free juices and flavored water are not commonly known as cavity risk agents because they have zero sugar and instead contain artificial sweeteners.
However, these beverages often contain other ingredients that are harmful to teeth, says Fatima Khan, DMD, Dentist and Co-founder at Riven Oral Care.
For example: Carbonic acid found in carbonated drinks; phosphoric acid found in diet sodas to prevent mold growth; malic acid to help with tartness in diet fruit drinks; citric acid to act as a preservative and provide citrus flavor in diet fruit drinks; tartaric acid in grape flavored diet drinks and fumaric acid found in some diet sodas.
“All these acids lower the pH in your mouth,” Dr. Khan says. “When your mouth’s pH falls below 5.5, your enamel demineralizes, the calcium and phosphate in your enamel weakens and breaks down, and your teeth erode. Your enamel protects your teeth from dental decay. The layer beneath, known as dentin, is less mineralized and more prone to decay due to its softer nature.”
Foods and drinks that help prevent cavities
Try swapping sugary and acidic tooth damagers for ingredients that help maintain and protect tooth enamel. Gums and candies with xylitol as the sweetener are extremely popular among dentists because the ingredient cannot be metabolized by bacteria in the mouth. In fact, it increases saliva production and provides minerals that protect teeth against decay.
“Water! Drink more water!,” urges Whitney White, DDS, Dentist and Practice Owner at Aspen Dental. “Fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you’re a bottled water person, check the label for the fluoride content.”
Cheese can help balance the pH level in your mouth and is rich in calcium and phosphate to help strengthen teeth, adds Dr. Khan, and foods like apples, carrots and broccoli can scrub away build-up and increase saliva flow.
“Consequently, eating a high-protein diet and dairy foods, even cheese, does not give these bacteria the immediate sugar they need to create the acids that break down the tooth enamel,” says Dr. Vaiman. “Dairy foods and calcium-rich products help our teeth to remineralize. However, the process is a bit slow. Foods that are rich in fiber can help clean teeth and gums because they stimulate saliva production. Dairy products can also help because they have calcium and phosphate which work to remineralize teeth. Green tea is good to drink because it has antioxidants that help fight bacteria and can decrease inflammation.”
And, of course, don’t forget to have regular teeth cleanings to ensure quality oral health.
Keep reading for more oral hygiene tips!
Dentists Say These 6 Tips Help Stop Bleeding Gums Naturally
What Certain Types of Bad Breath Smells Can Signal About Your Health and Dentists’ Easy Fixes
Top Dentists Reveal How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain — Fast!
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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