Sugary foods you don’t suspect are harmful to your teeth

Michaela Romulo

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Sugary foods you don’t suspect are harmful to your teeth
Cavities are not just caused by lollipops, sodas, and the like. Read this list for unsuspecting sugar culprits
 

MANILA, Philippines – Have a sweet tooth? This can surely affect your oral health, as sugar is usually the favorite thing to blame when it comes to cavities. But did you know that it’s not exactly the major cause of cavities? Sugar acids are.  

Growing up, children are taught good brushing habits. They are also reminded to consume sugary and sweet things in moderation. Lollipops, ice cream, caramels, soda, chewing gum, and the like are all considered contraband.

However, there are also certain cavity-causing foods that even non-sugar lovers need to be wary about. They are the wolves in sheep’s clothing of cavity-causing food. Though cleverly disguised, the amount of sugar, starch, or acidity in these foods can be just as damaging as your favorite brand of canned soda. 

Read: How sugar is really damaging your teeth 

Here is a list of unsuspecting culprits that are just as critical to your teeth as they are to your waistline.

1) Refined carbohydrates

Rice, pasta, potatoes are all savory and tasty foods but the digestive enzymes contained in your saliva quickly metabolize these carbohydrates into sugar acids that weaken your tooth’s enamel. 

While whole grain options like brown rice, whole grain pasta, and sweet potatoes can still break down into sugar and can easily get stuck in between your teeth, white and refined carbohydrates dissolve much faster and contain less nutritional value than your healthier whole grain options.

2) Alcoholic beverages  

We are always warned to consume alcohol in moderation but mostly due to its serious effects in the form of unsightly beer bellies, damage to the liver, and alcohol poisoning. Fact is though, alcohol can also cause cavities. Cocktails and mixers are high in sugar ( sugar acids are the byproducts cause by the breakdown of sugar in your mouth).  Meanwhile, red wine can stain your teeth and beer contains carbohydrates that can breakdown into sugar acids. Alcohol, in general, causes dehydration and a dry mouth. 

As in any other food or beverage intake, moderation is the key. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to a noticeably reduced amount of saliva flow in your mouth which can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and even increased risk of oral infections. 

3) Fruit juices and energy drinks

Often described as healthier drink options, these juices and energy drinks can still be packed with added sugar. Fresh fruit juices contain vitamins, but they also have a high concentration of fruit sugars which can transform into sugar acids in the mouth. Try to opt for a whole piece of fruit which contains less sugar and is high in fiber.

According to the Nutrition Source, eating one whole orange compared to a 12-ounce glass of orange juice will give you twice the amount of fiber and half as much sugar. 

Check the labels. Energy drinks may contain added sweeteners and can sometimes contain as much sugar as a serving of your favorite pastry. Water is still the best and healthiest thirst quencher when working out or exercising. 

4) Citrus, tomatoes and other acidic food

Lemons, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits are refreshing and contain lots of natural sugar. However they also contain acids that can make the mouth more acidic and may contribute to tooth demineralization and erosion. This is also true for tomatoes which alone or used in pasta and pizza sauces also contain acids. 

Tips to reduce the effects of sugar acids on your teeth

Now that you are able to identify other cavity-causing foods and beverages, here are some tips to help you neutralize their effects on your oral health.  

  • When sugary drinks are unavoidable, use a straw to minimize its direct contact on your teeth. 
  • Hydrating with water is still the healthiest and best way to provide your body with what it needs. As recommended by Harvard University’s Nutrition Source, a good daily target for water consumption is 15 cups of water for men and 11 cups for women (80% coming from beverage and 20% from food consumption).
  • For those of you accustomed to the taste of juices and sodas, try jazzing up your drinking water with crushed mint leaves.
  • Chew sugarfree gum between meals to increase the flow of your saliva and to help continue washing out acids and food.  
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Maintaining a habit of regular brushing is key in preventing cavities, and tooth decay.  
  • Use a toothpaste that contains Sugar Acid Neutralizers™ (SANs) that aids fluoride in the remineralization of your teeth’s enamel to help prevent cavities from forming.

Keep in mind that anything consumed in frequent and large amounts without proper oral hygiene is harmful to your teeth and may cause cavities. By following these simple tips you can fight the effects of sugar acids on your teeth and be one step closer to having a healthy and cavity-free mouth. – Rappler.com 

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