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Top 10 Foods That Contribute to Tooth Decay
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What You Should Know
Dental caries or tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth loss in children. Tooth decay is directly linked to demineralization. Bacteria, which are normally present in the mouth, convert food, especially starches and sugars, into acids. The acids, bacteria, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque. Demineralization results from prolonged exposure of these acids on tooth enamel. Since plaque starts forming 20 minutes after eating, proper and regular oral hygiene is important. But what and when you eat can contribute to tooth decay. Photo: Getty Images
Milk
Baby bottle tooth decay results from continuous contact of milk on the teeth. This is likely to occur if you tuck your baby in for the night or a nap with a bottle of milk. Tooth decay caused by milk can happen in older children who have a glass of milk before bedtime and do not brush their teeth. This can be avoided by using wet cotton gauze to wipe the baby’s teeth and gums. Likewise, remind older children to brush their teeth before bedtime. Photo: Getty Images
Sugar
Microorganisms in our saliva consume the sugar molecules from sources like white sugar, brown sugar, organic sugar and corn syrup. The bacteria produce acids as the byproduct of the digestion of sugar. The acids cause damage by slowly dissolving the calcium in tooth enamel. Photo: Getty Images
Juice
Though full of vitamins and minerals, 100 % fruit juice and vegetable juice contain high amounts of natural sugar. It is advisable to limit consumption of juice and practice proper oral hygiene to reduce the risk of cavities. Photo: Getty Images
Jams & Candy
Jams and candy contribute to tooth decay both as a source of sugar and because they are sticky. Dental plaque needs to be present on the teeth for more than three hours for dental cavity formation to begin. For this reason, it is important to brush your teeth following meals and especially after eating sugary snacks. Photo: Getty Images
Cookies, Doughnuts & Pastries
Baked goods like cookies, doughnuts and pastries, which are made with refined flours can be harmful to tooth enamel. These products contain carbohydrates that are high in starch and sugar. Oral bacteria convert these components into acids which lead to tooth decay. Photo: Getty Images
Fast Foods & Unhealthy Snacks
Though popular among young people, fast foods like a burger and fries or unhealthy snacks such as potato chips can contribute to cavities. These foods lack nutrients like calcium and essential vitamins such as vitamin A that are necessary for healthy teeth. Photo: Getty Images
Carbonated Soft Drinks
Carbonated beverages with artificial flavoring and coloring agents not only cause tooth discoloration but contribute to tooth decay. The artificial ingredients appear to weaken tooth enamel and increasing the risk of cavities. Prolonged exposure from sipping on soda all afternoon is more harmful than drinking soda with a meal and not drinking any more for the rest of the day. Photo: Getty Images
Alcohol
Habitual drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol contributes to cavities. Alcohol removes enamel from tooth surface leading to unwanted discoloration and increase susceptibility to decay. Photo: Getty Images
Lemon
Lemon is a highly acidic fruit used as flavoring in beverages such as lemonade and lemon-flavored sodas or drinks. The combination of sugar and acid erodes tooth enamel. Drinking such beverages with a straw delivers the drink directly to the esophagus and bypasses the teeth. Photo: Getty Images
Cough Syrups & Lozenges
Cough syrups and lozenges contain a substantial amount of sugar. Taking a dose of cough syrup or sucking on a throat lozenge has the same impact on teeth as a piece of candy.
Sources:
Animated-Teeth.com: Tooth Decay/Cavities/Dental Caries
World Dental.org: Bad Foods for Teeth: Improper Diet Can Cause Dental Cavity
Academy of General Dentistry: What Foods Cause Tooth Decay in Children?
Article by Maryann Gromisch
Photo: Getty Images
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