Eating This Food is Worse for Your Teeth than Candy: Dental Expert

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Published: Feb. 23, 2024, 10:21 a.m. ET

Carboholics beware: Your favorite foods could be worse for your teeth than dessert.

That’s right, those “sticky and bready” fermentable carbohydrates — think: white bread, pasta, chips, cereal, and crackers — are wreaking havoc on your pearly whites, according to dental professional Whitney DiFoggio.

“The reason why fermentable carbohydrates are so bad for teeth is that they specifically break down into sugars while they’re still being chewed in your mouth,” she explained, calling them “sneaky sugars.”

Those specific carbs make the mouth more acidic because the saliva is working overtime to remove the gummy food off your teeth, she continued, which “increases your chance of tooth decay.”

Parents will often offer Goldfish crackers over Skittles under the guise of believing it’s a healthier option, but DiFoggio warned that “it might be just as bad.”

“We all know candy is sugar, right?” she added. “But we forget bread is sugar.”

Why Certain Foods are Better:

Dark chocolate, surprisingly, is good for your teeth because it can be easily rinsed off, as are foods that “require heavier biting and chewing” like crunchy vegetables and whole grains. Unlike the fermentable carbohydrates, these foods are less likely to contribute to tooth decay.

Just like certain foods can affect your complexion or heart health, the same is true for your dental health. The foods you eat can either benefit or harm your pearly whites. Incorporating healthier food choices is essential.

DiFoggio recommends eating all the snacks at once rather than snacking throughout the day as it minimizes the continuous acidity in the mouth. Afterward, the saliva can neutralize the acidic pH caused by the sugar.

The order in which you eat the foods is important as well. Foods that neutralize acidity, like fruits, vegetables, and yogurt, should always be consumed last. This helps in balancing the pH in the mouth.

If you cannot find any cheese to cleanse your palette, rinsing your mouth with water or using gum that contains xylitol can help neutralize the acid in the mouth. It’s important to prevent any food from staying on your teeth for a prolonged period as it can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Regular brushing and flossing are essential in maintaining dental health as well. Plaque can harden into tartar within 24 to 72 hours, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

DiFoggio emphasized that gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss and it’s also linked to other health issues, such as an increased risk of heart and kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more.

By taking care of your dental health, you’re also taking care of your overall well-being. Remember, it’s not just about shiny white teeth; it’s about maintaining your overall health. Consult with a dental professional for personalized advice and recommendations.