Cariogenic foods: what are cariogenic foods and why should you avoid them?

“Eat too many sweets and your teeth will fall out!”. Everyone has heard a sentence like this at some point or another. From a young age, whether at home, at school or during our first trips to the dentist, one of the first things we are taught about oral health is that a diet high in sugar can be harmful to our teeth. However, it is important to note that, although sweets are one of the main culprits, they are not the only foods that cause tooth decay. In this article we will look at the relationship between food and tooth decay. We will also tell you which foods are considered cariogenic, which are not and why we should consume them in moderation.

What are cariogenic foods?

You might be wondering what cariogenic foods are. By definition, cariogenic foods are those which encourage cavities to form. They contain carbohydrates that are broken down into sugars by the saliva in the mouth. This lowers the pH, which can cause tooth enamel to deteriorate, thus encouraging cavities to develop.

Cariogenic foods are those which are sugary and/or starchy, therefore encouraging the formation of cavities. Foods that cause caries include sweets, biscuits, cakes, sugary drinks, concentrated juices and ice cream, amongst others.

Consuming cariogenic foods involves ingesting different types of sugars, such as sucrose or fructose. Starchy snacks can also break down into sugars once they are in the mouth and, as such, are considered cariogenic as well.

How does food contribute to tooth decay?

There are bacteria that live permanently in our mouths, some of which form plaque on the surface of our teeth. When we eat cariogenic foods, the bacteria in plaque consume the sugar and secrete it in the form of acids. These acids are so potent that they can demineralise the enamel covering our teeth, thus resulting in caries forming, which is how food contributes to tooth decay.

Harmful acids from plaque form in our mouths every time we eat. The acids continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes. They are then neutralised and can no longer do any harm. The more often we eat these cariogenic foods during the day, therefore, the more often we are giving bacteria the fuel they need to cause tooth decay.

Certain foods contribute to tooth decay more than others. Dental specialists recommend a moderate consumption of sugar. A cariogenic diet, i.e. one that is high in carbohydrates and fermentable sugars, is harmful, not only for our teeth but our health in general. By limiting sugar intake, bacteria cannot produce as many acids, thus protecting our enamel and resulting in a healthier mouth.

What is the list of foods that cause tooth decay?

As mentioned previously, on the list of foods that cause tooth decay some are fairly obvious. This is the case with sweet food such as biscuits, sweets, cakes, ice cream and milkshakes, which are the worst foods for tooth decay. However, there are others that, without seeming so at first, are also cavity-causing. These include rice, noodles and cereals, among others. Once again, this is because carbohydrates are broken down into sugars, which are then transformed into acids after being processed by the bacteria in plaque.

Which foods prevent tooth decay (non-cariogenic foods)?

Cariostatic or non-cariogenic foods are foods that prevent tooth decay, as they are not metabolised by the microorganisms in plaque. Here is a list of 10 non-cariogenic foods that, in addition to providing our bodies with different nutrients, are amongst the best foods for keeping tooth decay at bay.

10 non-cariogenic foods

Meat

Red meat, chicken and pork do not produce harmful acids that can demineralise our tooth enamel.

Fish

The same is true for fish, as no bacterial fermentation takes place and, thus, no harmful acids are formed.

Cheese

The calcium in cheese helps to replenish the minerals in teeth, so not only does it not cause cavities, but it is also a food that helps us avoid tooth decay.

Non-acidic fruit

Fruit rich in fibre, like apples and pears, help to remove plaque.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts are low in sugar and a good source of calcium and protein.

Milk

Like cheese, the calcium and phosphates in milk help to rebuild tooth enamel.

Yoghurt

The calcium in natural yoghurt helps to replenish minerals that may have been lost.

Vegetables

Another cariostatic food group to eat to prevent tooth decay is vegetables, especially those rich in fibre. Eating raw vegetables such as celery, cucumber or lettuce is particularly beneficial, not only for preventing tooth decay, but also to help fight gum diseases such as gingivitis, as they contain anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, chewing crunchy vegetables helps to increase saliva production.

Sugar-free sweets

Sweets containing non-acidic artificial sweeteners also help to prevent tooth decay.

Why is it important to bear this in mind?

Prevention is always the best tool for maintaining good dental health. The formation of caries, in addition to pain and discomfort, can be a bigger problem than we think, which is why dental hygiene is so important.

In addition to maintaining a diet low in cariogenic foods, proper oral hygiene consists of brushing your teeth three times a day, after each meal. Regular use of other products such as dental floss and mouthwashes increases the effectiveness of cleaning and prevents plaque build-up, as well as tartar formation.

It is also important to visit the dentist regularly for check-ups. Finally, we recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year.

At Impress, your oral health is our priority

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for good oral health. It is a good idea to check the condition of your teeth and gums regularly, especially if you are thinking of improving your smile and starting orthodontic treatment.

Our patients’ health is our priority. That is why we ensure that our patients start orthodontic treatment with proper dental and gum health.

At Impress we have the tools and experienced staff to detect and fill cavities. We can also advise you on other dental treatments that you will need prior to your orthodontic treatment.

If you would like to start orthodontics or find out which treatments are available at your nearest Impress clinic, do not hesitate to contact us by making an appointment through our website, by phone or WhatsApp at +44 20 3808 1072.

We look forward to meeting you at one of our clinics soon!