Most of us have dealt with a nasty tooth cavity at least once. It caused us excruciating pain and discomfort. Going to the dentist had been our only option. Often, you might find it confusing that despite brushing and flossing diligently twice a day, you still have a cavity. But why does it happen? The answer is food. While some foods strengthen teeth, some foods can severely damage them. If you consume these harmful foods regularly, you will have a tooth cavity. Once you have a tooth cavity, you must visit the dentist at the earliest to get it filled. It is best to avoid certain foods to prevent pain and discomfort, and those that aggravate the cavity. Here is a list of 20 foods you should always avoid when dealing with a tooth cavity.
1. Soda
It is common knowledge that sugary beverages can harm a person’s overall health. They can cause insulin spikes and weight gain. But they are very harmful to teeth as well. They contain sugar, known to destroy teeth. They also contain citric acid, which erodes the enamel by binding with the calcium molecules on teeth.
2. Sticky candies
Do you love sucking gummy bears and jellos? Well, we have bad news. Sticky candies can be very harmful to your teeth. When you chew them, they get stuck in the nooks and crevices of your teeth. Sometimes, brushing does not remove them, and the lingering bits can cause infection and deteriorate the condition of your teeth.
3. Coffee
Coffee is highly acidic and can erode teeth. Caffeine, present in coffee, dries your mouth. Reduced saliva production can make your mouth and teeth more vulnerable to germs.
4. Ice
Some people love chewing ice. Frequently chewing ice can result in chipped enamel. Damaged enamel can make your teeth more vulnerable to bacterial infection.
5. Chips
Like sticky candies, small pieces of chips can get lodged into your teeth and can eventually cause or even worsen caries.
6. Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes. Raisins have concentrated natural sugars, which make them harmful to your teeth. They act similarly to sticky sweets, get stuck in your teeth, and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
7. Sugary cereals
Do you have the habit of starting your day with a bowl of cereal? Apart from not being very nutritious, they are harmful to your teeth. Most ready-to-eat grains are high in added sugar, which can cause dental caries.
8. Donuts
These baked sweets are covered in glaze or frosting made with lots of sugar. They are very sticky and can erode your teeth over time.
9. White bread
Bread is rich in starch. When you consume it, the bacteria in your mouth ferment them, which can eventually erode your enamel.
10. Citrus fruits
Lemons, oranges, and apples are all acidic fruits. They contain citric acid. Acids usually erode any surface they touch, and though not as strong as mineral acids, citric acid can still spell disaster for your enamel.
11. Fruit juice
Fruit juices have the same problem as whole citrus fruits. They are also rich in citric acid and can eventually erode your teeth. Packed fruit juices are very acidic and high in sugar. They are extremely detrimental to your teeth.
12. Fruit pops
These are made with orange, pineapple, and lemon juice. They also have added sugar. Studies show that these pops are very acidic and can drastically lower your saliva pH, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to caries-causing bacteria.
13. Alcoholic drinks
Alcohol is proven to have detrimental effects on a person’s health. It is known to cause liver and kidney damage, dehydration and increased appetite for processed foods. But did you know that alcohol can ruin your oral health as well? Besides the added sugar that can destroy teeth, alcohol alters the permeability of your mouth tissues, making them more vulnerable to cancer-causing agents.
14. Nuts
If you are suffering from a tooth cavity, stay away from nuts. Nuts are hard foods. They can be painful to eat with a bad tooth. So, it is better to stay away from them until you get yourself checked by a dentist.
15. Chikki
This is an Indian sweet made from peanuts and jaggery. Although delicious to eat, you should avoid it when dealing with a tooth cavity. Chikki has a hard and brittle texture. Also, it is sticky and can get trapped in your teeth.
16. Kombucha
It is a fermented and sweetened black tea that is said to have health benefits. People who drink it claim that it has miraculous benefits, like preventing hair loss and curing cancer. Although there is little scientific research to back these claims, kombucha might be rich in probiotics that can keep your gut healthy. But, it might spell disaster for your oral health, as kombucha is highly acidic, sometimes even more than sodas.
17. Sports drinks
Sports drinks have the same problem as sodas. They are highly acidic and can erode your teeth if consumed regularly. Also, most sports drinks have high sugar content, known to harm teeth.
18. Soybeans
Soybeans are rich in phytic acid, an antinutrient that prevents certain minerals like calcium and magnesium from getting adequately absorbed. Calcium and magnesium help in the remineralization of cavities. If you have a cavity, refrain from eating soybeans.
19. Kimchi
Kimchi is a very prevalent dish widely eaten in Korea. It is made by fermenting Napa cabbage and Chinese radish with spices. Like most fermented foods, Kimchi is a food item rich in probiotics. But, due to its fermented nature, Kimchi is also very acidic and can erode teeth. You can always eat it for its potential health benefits, but it is best to avoid it when you have a tooth cavity.
20. Peanut butter
Peanut butter is mostly considered healthy. But it can be pretty harmful to our teeth. Like most sticky foods, peanut butter can get stuck on your tooth and can aggravate a cavity.
