Posted on: October 19, 2007
Watch Your Mouth
That seemingly innocent afternoon snack could be doing a number on your teeth and gums – beware these 10 popular foods
By Deborah Douglas
CTW Features
You may think you’re doing all you can to stave off tooth decay, but your daily snack might be just the thing to do you in, says the Chicago Dental Society. The dentists’ group compiled a list of 10 dangerous snacks you should be aware of because they may contain more cavity-causing sugar than you think or expose your teeth to decay-causing bacteria. They are:
1. Pretzels and potato chips
These starchy snacks break down into simple sugars that feed decay-causing bacteria.
2. Hard candies
Expose teeth to decay.
3. Antacids, cough drops and mints
Many medical products contain more sugar then you might think. “Some brands pack nearly 1/4 cup of sugar per tin,” according to the Chicago Dental Society.
4. Soft drinks
The sugar and additives not only contain sugar but acids that can ruin tooth enamel.
5. Bottled water
Fluoride has been a boon to maintaining health teeth, but many bottled waters don’t include it, and many home-filtration systems siphon it out.
6. Coffee drinks
Those fancy coffee concoctions crowned with whipped cream have loads of sugar, sometimes as much as a candy bar.
7. Juice
Be aware that even unsweetened juices have naturally occurring sugar. For example, the dentists say, an 8-ounce glass of orange juice has 30 grams of sugar compared with 31 grams of sugar in Mountain Dew.
8. Sports drinks
These are often high in sugar, so if dehydration isn’t an issue, grab water instead.
9. Fruit products like roll-ups
These sticky, sweet snacks cling to your teeth, exposing them to possible decay.
10. Gum
Gum with sugar puts your mouth under attack from cavity-causing
bacteria; sugarless gum is a better way to way.
