Saltines and 5 Other Unexpected Foods That Cause Cavities

Did you know that more than 1 in 4 adults (26%) adults in the US are suffering from tooth decay? A lot of people assume the worst culprit when it comes to cavities is sugary foods, but that might not always be the case. The bad news is there are a lot of presumably healthy foods that you’re eating that can cause cavities. The good news is we’re here to tell you what those items are!

If you’re ready to take your oral health head-on, keep reading to discover 5 unexpected food choices that cause cavities.

Cut Back on the Saltines and Bread Products

Nothing ruins a sparkling smile like a set of teeth that are stained, chipped, or missing. Unfortunately, Saltine crackers and other bread products may contribute to this outcome. These types of food contain a lot of starch, which is easily broken down by bacteria. The acids they create cause cavities and give our mouth a bad odor.

If starchy products are a frequent part of your diet, getting a regular check-up from your dentist can help avoid serious dental problems from developing. There are certain factors to consider when looking for a dentist, but if you do your due diligence, you’re guaranteed to get the dental care you need.

Avoid Drinking Sugar-Free Soda

A lot of us think that sugar-free soda won’t cause any damage to our teeth because it doesn’t contain sugar. However, the acids found in soft drinks can be detrimental to the enamel of our teeth. Our enamel serves as natural protection from tooth decay and without it, our teeth will become susceptible to cavities. Try drinks or foods that don’t cause cavities, like water, and milk or tea.

Cut Back on the Sports Drinks

Do you love a good sports drink after a long workout? I can’t think of many people who don’t. Sadly, sports drinks have also made the list of unexpected foods that cause cavities.

Studies have shown that our teeth show signs of decay after 5 days of constant exposure to well-known sports drinks. If these drinks are a staple in your diet, try to cut back on the amount you drink or, at the very least, drink plenty of water to neutralize the acids from the beverage.

Dried Fruits are Foods that Cause Cavities

I used to think dried fruit was squarely in the friend category when it comes to health. But while they may be natural, they can be just as bad for our teeth as candy. Dried fruits are sticky enough that can get caught in between our teeth and be quite difficult to remove. If it remains there, the food will start to rot in your mouth, bringing your teeth along with it.

Lemon Water

A lot of us drink lemon water because of all of the health benefits that it offers. But, we should also know that lemon juice is highly acidic and can weaken the enamel of our teeth. You should try not to drink it often, but if you can’t avoid it, wait for a certain time before brushing to avoid any damage.

Avoid Dental Problems

It’s no surprise that cavities are a health issue that no one wants to deal with. What is a surprise is the number of everyday foods that cause cavities. To avoid this dental disaster, try and limit your intake of the foods we have included in this blog, and don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth regularly.

If you liked this article or want some more tooth-related tips, take a look at the rest of our website!