Foods that cause cavities
Both sugary and starchy foods can cause cavities. Chips, crackers, cookies, cakes, and muffins all break down to sugar in the mouth and can cause cavities just like candy. The bacteria in your mouth feed off these sugars, releasing acids, and that’s what leads to tooth decay. The acid attack can happen for up to 20 minutes.
Sugar-containing drinks—soda, lemonade, sports drinks, juice, and sweetened coffee or tea (iced or hot)—are particularly harmful because sipping them causes a constant sugar bath over teeth, which promotes tooth decay.
It is very important to try and limit sugary and starchy foods to mealtimes and to limit day-long snacking.
Tooth-friendly Foods
Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens, and nuts are foods that benefit tooth health. In addition, protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are also great food choices for your teeth and body. Fruits and vegetables are good choices for a healthy smile since they are high in water and fiber. These foods also help stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from teeth and helps neutralize acid, protecting teeth from decay. Hands down, water—particularly fluoridated water—is the most tooth-friendly beverage.
