Foods that prevent tooth decay | Ismile

Virtually everyone knows that sweets, such as candy, soda and the like, contain acids that can damage your teeth. What many people don’t know, is that other, ordinary foods that we eat on a regular basis, can also damage your teeth!

Bread

Bread is a staple of the American diet, but did you know that the sugars in bread, rolls, bagels and similar baked foods can damage your teeth? Truth is, bread products tend to stick to the teeth, virtually “bathing” your teeth in acid that combines with bacteria to ultimately result in dental cavities. Tip: Brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating bread products! Your mouth will thank you!

Citrus and Dried Fruits

Although delicious, dried and citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and oranges, are sticky. They also contain loads of sugar. The acids from these foods attack your dental enamel.

Corn on the Cob

What’s more delicious on a hot summer’s day than roasted corn with salt and butter? Almost nothing! Unfortunately, biting into a corn cob can loosen or crack fillings. Obviously, corn on the cob should be avoided by anyone with metal braces.

P&J: The Sandwich Loved by All

Almost everyone loves peanut butter & jelly. While this is a delicious (and nutritious) sandwich, it brings with it lots of sugar, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, plus it has the added problem of bread that sticks to the teeth, releasing sugar over time. It’s very important to brush the teeth after eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, as nothing short of brushing will remove the tiny particles of bread, and the lingering effects of the sugars in both the peanut butter and the jelly.

Pasta Sauce

Although we love pasta with red sauce, dental enamel is damaged by red wine and red sauces, as well as the acid content in the tomatoes themselves, so be sure to brush thoroughly after eating anything with a dark red sauce!

Popcorn

Ever notice how the little hulls of popcorn get stuck between your teeth? This permits the growth of bacteria, which is the first step towards a cavity. Be sure to floss thoroughly after eating chips and popcorn!

Curries

Who doesn’t love curry? Unfortunately, like red sauces and red wine, the heavy yellow pigments in curry sauce can stain your teeth if not removed promptly. Turmeric, curry and other spices are the culprits, so anything you eat that’s very dark in color, whether it be orange, yellow or red, can and will stain the teeth!