Since childhood, we often associate cavities with sweets. However, certain foods perceived as healthy can turn out to be just as harmful for dental enamel. Sticky texture, hidden sugars or high acidity: their effects are sometimes even more insidious. Dr. Jérémy Amzalag, dentist and author of the CapitalDents.com encyclopedia, reveals five foods that we eat with complete confidence… but which nevertheless weaken our teeth.
Dried fruits: healthy for the body, sticky for the teeth
First false friends: dried fruits. “We often have the impression that these are very healthy and healthy foods, but they contain a very high amount of sugar,” explains Dr. Amzalag.
In addition to their richness in sugars, their sticky texture promotes their prolonged adhesion to the surface of the teeth. Result: sugars stagnate longer in the mouth, which greatly increases the risk of cavities.
Salty crackers: “hidden sugar” and unsuspected
It can be salty… but also dangerous for the enamel. Crakers, even organic, even simple, can cause damage. According to the dentist, “the starch contained within is transformed into sugars during chewing”. This phenomenon makes them real “hidden sugars”. In addition, their pasty texture seeps into the grooves of the teeth and between the teeth, where they can remain stuck for a long time. This prolonged stagnation promotes the formation of cavities, even without a sweet taste.
Citrus fruits: the acidity which attacks the enamel
Lemon, grapefruit, orange… are full of vitamin C it’s true. But their natural acidity is far from harmless for your smile.
“The acidic potential of citrus fruits increases the risk of acid attack responsible for enamel erosion”specifies Dr. Amzalag. The enamel then becomes more fragile and more sensitive to attacks.
The key is not to avoid them, but to know about them. Our expert recommends not brushing your teeth immediately after consuming it, as the enamel is temporarily weakened by the acidity.
Flavored yogurts: false health allies
Often presented as balanced, fruit-flavored yogurts, for example, nevertheless hide a high content of added sugars.
“Like dried fruits, we think that they are good for health, that yogurt is harmless. But the added flavors contain a lot of sugars responsible for cavities”underlines the dentist. Regular consumption, especially as a snack, exposes the teeth to repeated sugar intake.
Cereal bars: the illusion of a healthy snack
Practical and perceived as nutritious, granola-type cereal bars nevertheless combine several risks.
Dr. Amzalag recalls that they “contain a lot of sugars, and their sticky texture causes the same phenomenon as dried fruits. (which they also sometimes contain). In short, they adhere to the teeth, prolong exposure to sugar and thus promote the development of cavities.
With sugary drinks, a double danger for the teeth
Finally, our dentist cannot help but point out that sodas, soft drinks or sugary juices (even fresh fruit juices) are particularly harmful, especially if you consume them with one of the products mentioned above.
“They are both rich in sugars (responsible for cavities) and often acidic, which accentuates enamel erosion”. The dentist recalls that numerous studies have demonstrated “the catastrophic role of sugar on the formation of cavities, but also on gum problems and more generally on inflammatory diseases”.
What to do after consuming these foods or drinks?
Rather than banning them completely, Dr Amzalag insists on moderation and above all on good habits:
- Rinse mouth with water after consumption to reduce acidity;
- Wait a few minutes before brushing your teeth (especially after acidic foods);
- Avoid frequent snacking, which maintains an acidic environment in the mouth;
- Consume these foods as part of a meal rather than in isolation;
- Stimulate saliva (drink water, chew) to help eliminate residue.
Good reflexes to adopt during your days to keep an impeccable smile for as long as possible.