In the minds of most people, candy is the most harmful food for their teeth. That is the reaction most people have when discovering they have a dental cavity – “how much sugar have I been eating?!” While candy certainly isn’t good for our teeth, the cavity-causing bacteria feed on the sugars in all the foods we eat, not just candy. In fact, some foods may be even worse for our teeth than sugary sweets.
The Damage Starch Can Do
In an attempt to be healthier, many of us will ditch the candies for crackers or chips. However, foods high in starch can cause a whole slew of new problems for your dental health. This is because of how easy it is for starchy foods to become stuck in the teeth. This exposes the teeth to the sugars for a much longer period of time than foods that would melt or wash away more quickly.
It may surprise you to learn that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has discovered that starchy foods are worse for our children’s teeth than sugar foods. This is due directly to the amount of time the teeth are exposed to each of these substances. The longer the food is stuck in the teeth, the higher the chances of developing dental cavities and tooth decay.
Instead of sugary candy and starch, there are plenty of other healthier alternatives for your teeth and those of your children. If you’re craving a crunchy texture, turn to apples, celery, or carrots. If you’re feeling a sweet tooth creeping up, eat strawberries, blueberries, or other healthier alternatives.
No matter what, the best thing you can do for your teeth is to practice good at-home oral hygiene, and visit your general dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. To make an appointment here at Garlock Orthodontics, please contact our Aurora, Colorado orthodontic office today.