What Are Cariogenic Foods And How Do They Affect Your Teeth?

Cariogenic foods are those which promote the development of tooth decay. When people think of foods that cause cavities, they may think of candy, soda, and other sugary snacks. However, there are foods that you might assume are healthy for your teeth, which are actually cariogenic. Read on to learn more about this term, how cariogenic foods affect your teeth, and how to avoid cavities.

What is the underlying link of cariogenic foods?

Sugar is the main cause of cavities; but, sweet treats aren't the only sources of sugar you should be concerned about. Starchy foods, like bread, rice, noodles, crackers, and cereals, all contain sugars and can be cariogenic if they aren't consumed in moderation.

Besides being mindful of cariogenic foods, the types of sugars in your diet can increase or decrease your chances of cavities. For instance, sucrose and glucose are much more cariogenic than fructose, which is the sugar found in honey and fruits.

Some people think brown sugar is healthier than white sugar since it contains trace minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron, but these minerals are only found in trace amounts; and brown sugar is just as cariogenic as white sugar.

How do cariogenic foods cause cavities?

When you eat cariogenic foods, the bacteria in your mouth breaks down sugar molecules. As oral bacteria feeds on sugars, it releases acidic byproducts which damage enamel. If you have poor oral hygiene, then bacteria and saliva can build up on enamel and cause plaque. Plaque hardens into tartar, a biofilm which can only be removed at a dentist's office.

That's why it's important to maintain good brushing and flossing habits: so you can neutralize acids from oral bacteria and remove plaque before it turns to tartar.

Besides brushing and flossing, what else can you do to avoid cavities?

You may want to take a look at your diet and at nutritional information on packages to see if you are ingesting more cariogenic foods than you think. For example, you may be missing added sugars; or the sugar content may go by a different name, like dextrin or corn syrup. In U.S. food production, there are 56 different names for different types of sugars!

Besides being mindful of your diet, consider drinking more water with your meals, as water can neutralize acidic byproducts. If you tend to have a dry mouth, that can also be a breeding ground for oral bacteria, so drinking water—as well as chewing sugar free gum—can increase your saliva production and reduce the risk of cavities.

Going to your dentist for regular check-ups is also important, since he or she can catch the early signs of decay and help you work on stopping decay in its tracks. Schedule an appointment at your doctor's office today to clean off any build up and check up on your general health.