Dental Articles - Dentistry

Sugary Snacks and Sweets

Soda, cookies, and candy are foods that most of us are fond of consuming. Sugar is, however, a favourite meal of microbes in the mouth. When bacteria have sugar to feed on near the teeth, they create acid that can dissolve the enamel of the teeth. These foods that cause tooth plaque are especially harmful if you eat them often or let them sit on your teeth for a long time. Sticky candies, like caramels and gummy bears, are even worse because they cling to the teeth and are hard to clean off completely.

Starchy Foods That Turn to Sugar

It’s not just sweets that cause plaque. Starchy foods like white bread, crackers, and chips may not taste sweet, but they break down into sugar once you chew them. These small food particles can get trapped between your teeth and become food for bacteria. Even though these items may seem harmless, they are among the most common foods that are plaque-forming, especially if you snack on them often and don’t clean your teeth well afterward.

Fruit Juices and Acidic Drinks

Fruit is healthy, but when it's turned into juice, especially with added sugar, it can harm your teeth. Orange juice, lemonade, and sports drinks are acidic, and they can wear down your enamel over time. Acid weakens the outer layer of your teeth, making it easier for plaque to stick and cause damage. For patients at our South Edmonton Dental Clinic , we often recommend limiting how often you sip on acidic drinks, and if you do have them, try to drink water afterward to rinse your mouth.

Dried Fruits and Chewy Snacks

Raisins, dried apricots, and other dried fruits may seem like a healthy snack, but they’re very sticky and full of natural sugar. Because of their texture, they tend to get stuck in the grooves of your teeth and between your molars. That makes it easier for plaque to form and harder to brush away. Like sticky candy, chewy dried fruits are among the foods that lead to tooth plaque, even though they’re often seen as healthy.

Hidden Sugars in Sauces and Processed Foods

Many processed foods contain hidden sugars—even things like pasta sauces, salad dressings, and ketchup. These sugars may not seem like much, but over time, they add up and contribute to plaque buildup, especially when eaten often and not followed up with brushing.If you're trying to avoid foods that are plaque-forming, it’s a good idea to read food labels and look for added sugars that might not be obvious at first glance.

Tips to Fight Plaque With Better Food Choices

You don’t have to completely avoid your favourite foods, but it helps to eat them in moderation and follow some basic tips:

• Drink water after meals to rinse away sugars and food particles.
• Chew sugar-free gum to help produce more saliva, which naturally cleans your mouth.
• Eat more crunchy vegetables and fruits like apples and carrots, which can help scrub your teeth.
• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily to remove plaque before it turns into tartar.

Making smarter food choices, along with daily brushing and regular dental visits, can help you prevent plaque from causing serious dental problems.

Take Care of Your Smile With Professional Support

Plaque is a common problem, but it’s easy to manage with the right care and guidance. At Floss & Gloss Dental, we’re here to help you make better choices for your teeth and keep your smile healthy. Book an appointment today to get expert advice and care from a team that puts your dental health first.

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