You already know it’s important to avoid certain foods if you want to lower your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Cutting out the candy, soda, and sweetened juices is an excellent start. But what happens when the foods you eat have hidden sugars that could be tormenting your teeth? Don’t let these sneaky snacks wreak havoc on your oral health! Limit your consumption of these seven tricky treats!

Dried Fruits

Just because they’re fruit doesn’t mean that these dried snacks are safe for your teeth. In fact, they are usually packed with natural sugars and often very sticky, neither of which are doing you mouth any favors. Thankfully, they’re still delicious and full of fiber, so don’t ditch them entirely. Just be sure to drink water after eating and brush your teeth well about 30 minutes later.

Crackers and Chips

Thanks to their high starch content, chips and crackers aren’t as good for you as you might think. These can be broken down into sugars by the enzymes in your saliva. When this happens, the bacteria in your mouth can cause a reaction which forms an acid that could damage your enamel and cause tooth decay.

Sports Drinks

If you’re an athlete or feeling dehydrated, sports drinks can help deliver hydration and sometimes even electrolytes to help you recover. But they are often packed with sugar and citric acid, both of which are bad for your teeth. In addition to cavities, with frequent consumption they can erode your enamel and lead to tooth decay.

Citrus Fruits

Fresh citrus or their products like fruit juices are highly acidic and can cause enamel erosion. Still, they’re an excellent source of vitamin C, so you shouldn’t give them up altogether. Just be sure to drink water after eating and enjoy them with other foods to help dilute some of that acidity during your meal.

Diet Soda

Diet soda may seem like it’s better to drink than regular soda, but while it is sugar-free, it still has plenty of acid that could damage your enamel.

Pasta Sauce

Pasta sauce is another one that seems healthy but is full of added sugar that can cause cavities. If you’re talented enough to make your own fresh sauce, you can easily control the sweetness yourself, but if you buy storebought, be sure to take care of your teeth afterwards to lower your risk of cavities.

Remember, just because a food seems safe for your teeth doesn’t mean it is, so be sure to read the labels and look for ingredients like sweeteners, citric acid, or starch, so your smile will stay healthy and bright!

About Dr. Voto

Dr. Jayson D. Voto has always been interested in helping patients, but he originally started out studying zoology! Today, while he may not be assisting animals, he is thrilled he chose to make a difference through dentistry instead. To keep your smile in great shape and protect your teeth against the dangers of hidden food additives, schedule your semi-annual exam and cleaning with Dr. Voto today by visiting our website or calling us at 918-272-5381.