6 Foods That Cause Cavities

Foods that cause cavities pose a threat to the oral health of children and adults. And it is that beyond the fact that some people are more susceptible than others to the appearance of this condition in their teeth, we should all avoid or reduce the consumption of the foods that cause it. Discover in this article which are those foods that contribute to the development of this pathology.

What are cavities?

It is a condition that destroys the tissues of the teeth as a result of demineralization. Demineralization is caused by acids that generate bacterial plaque, which is formed from food debris between teeth and molars.

How do cavities form?

One of the main causes of tooth decay is not having good oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing properly, not flossing, forgetting to brush after every meal, among others. This is stated by research published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics . The pH of saliva also influences the appearance of cavities, as well as the food we eat.

When the enamel is destroyed, the next thing is the involvement of the dentin. Then, there is an inflammation of the dental pulp, followed by necrosis or pulp death.

How are cavities treated?

Caries treatment consists of two parts. In the first, the infectious agent and infected dental tissues are eliminated; in the second, the tooth is restored or rehabilitated. The materials used cover the hole caused by bacteria.

In more serious cases, when the patient has not been treated for a long time, it is necessary to extract the root or the entire tooth and place a prosthesis.

Foods that can cause cavities

Some foods are more harmful than others, but it is also true that some people are more likely to develop cavities than others. No matter how old you are, avoid or reduce foods that contribute to cavities. Here are six foods that cause cavities:

1. Sweets

They are the first group of foods that we should avoid or at least reduce their intake. Treats are sugars that somehow fix on your teeth, making it easier for bacteria to act. Among the most common sweets are chocolate, gum and candies

If you cannot go without eating a sweet, choose the ones that disappear more quickly from your mouth, such as jelly beans or chewy ones, also opt for those without sugar. Of course, when you finish eating them, brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with a little water or mouthwash.

Some recent studies highlight that good oral hygiene is more important than restricting sugar intake as such.

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2. Soft drinks

The sodas that we tend to consume on a daily basis have a large amount of sugar. Because they are liquid, there are no remains on the teeth, however, their particles can pass between them and cause tooth enamel diseases. In addition to causing cavities, soda can cause staining of teeth.

3. Flours

Refined carbohydrates are one of the main enemies of the teeth, especially in the case of those that are starchy or salty. In this group we can include pasta, bread, pizza, French fries and crackers. Although it may not seem like it, flours can cause more cavities than sweets and are very harmful to health in general.

4. Packaged juices

Parents often offer these types of drinks to their children thinking that they are better than soft drinks, however, this is a complete mistake. Packaged juices contain a large amount of sugar and despite not being carbonated, they are made with multiple artificial and chemical ingredients.

In the case of natural fruit juices, we must also be careful if they are prepared with citrus. For example, orange or grapefruit are quite acidic and can erode tooth enamel. When this happens, teeth are more vulnerable to dental disease and the growth of bacteria.

5. Acidic foods

In addition to citrus fruits, in this group of foods that cause cavities we find tomatoes, wine and pickles. If consumed regularly, they can weaken dental health and lead to cavities.

According to research published in the journal Molecular Oral Microbiology , frequent consumption of acidic foods may be related to a higher incidence of cavities in genetically predisposed subjects.

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6. Coffee

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Although for some people it brings health benefits, for others it can translate into oral problems; It all depends on the amount that is drunk per day, in addition to what is added be sugar, milk or cream.

On the other hand,  tea can also cause cavities and stains, in addition to removing tooth enamel. We recommend that after drinking coffee or tea, you drink a glass of water to counteract its effects.

Recommendations to avoid the appearance of cavities

In addition to avoiding or reducing the intake of foods that cause cavities, we suggest the following:

• Brush your teeth after every meal, at least 3 times a day.
• Drink a glass of cold water after meals to remove food debris.
• Use quality toothpastes.
• Use dental floss and mouthwash.
• Eat foods that regulate oral pH such as carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach.
• Eat a raw apple or a handful of strawberries a day. These fruits clean the teeth.
• Drink green tea. It is the only infusion that inhibits the action of bacteria.
• Go to the dentist every 6 months or 1 year, in order to treat any cavities that appear in time.