3 Foods You Didn’t Realize Cause Cavities

We all know that candy and other sugary foods can cause cavities. It may surprise you, however, that many healthy foods and whole foods also contribute to tooth decay. Ultimately, cavities arise from the acids that come from the bacteria our saliva produces in order to digest and break down foods and beverages. Here are three cavity-producing culprits you may not have paid much thought to before:

Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables contain carbohydrates and acids that increase the bacteria in your saliva. The worst offenders are acidic fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and tomatoes. Don’t cut these from your diet completely, but do make sure that you brush after eating fruits and drinking juices. Drink water frequently while eating, and swish and rinse with water if you’re out and can’t brush your teeth right away.

Bread

Saliva breaks down starches into sugars. Thus, chewing on bread may as well be eating candy when it comes to your oral health. Breads also stick in the crevices between your teeth, which speeds up the cavity-producing process even more. When you’re choosing carbohydrates, select less-refined breads and starches (e.g., whole wheat, rye) that contain fewer added sugars to be broken down by your saliva.

Alcohol

Most people understand the health risks that come with alcohol. What most people don’t realize is that alcoholic beverages also lead to tooth decay. Alcohol dries out the mouth, and without saliva food particles are more likely to stick to your teeth. If you’re out drinking with friends or relaxing at home with a glass of wine, sip on water to keep your mouth hydrated. Also make sure to rinse and brush your teeth afterwards.