Many people know to stay away from sweets in order to take care of their teeth. Because of this, you may know that caramel isn’t the greatest food for dental health. However, you may be wondering exactly why it isn’t. Sure, you know that sugar is bad for your teeth, but did you know the other reason?
Caramel is particularly dangerous to dental health because of its consistency. Caramel, unlike other sweets, is extremely sticky. This stickiness allows it to stay on teeth for longer than other foods. Even with regular brushing and flossing, caramel has the ability to cling to the teeth. When caramel sits on the teeth for long periods of time, more and more bacteria grow. These bacteria eat away at your teeth, causing an array of dental problems.
Other Foods that Damage Dental Health
Besides caramel, there are many foods which negatively impact dental health. One of those foods is hard candy. Unlike caramel, hard candy poses a different problem. Many people who like hard candy can’t resist chomping down on it. Biting hard candy can cause teeth to wear more quickly. Not to mention, some hard candy becomes sticky after eating it.Though there are foods that should be eaten in moderation, there are some you can enjoy every day. One of those foods is cheese. Cheese works two ways to protect your teeth from damaging bacteria. First, it coats the teeth with an acid-resistant barrier. Second, it provides a good source of teeth-building calcium. We recommend eating a piece of cheese before a meal to keep your teeth protected.If you have any more questions about the foods that are good for your teeth, please contact our office. We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you have!