Foods That Are Just as Bad as Candy

As a parent, you probably already know that candy is bad for your kids’ teeth. That’s because, in order to break down a lot of sugar, the mouth has to produce acid. And, it’s this acid that leads to cavities. But, candy isn’t the only food that’s bad for teeth. Here’s a list of foods that are just as bad as candy, and can turn a healthy grin into a not-so-healthy smile.

Soda

In general, soda is unhealthy for everyone because it contains a ton of calories and sugar. Like candy, the sugar in soda can damage your child’s teeth and lead to cavities. Even diet soda can be very acidic. So, save the pop for special occasions because it’s just as bad as candy when it comes to dental and overall health.

Citrus Fruits

Not all fruit is kind to your teeth. Specifically, lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit contain a large amount of harmful acid. And, while fruit is healthy and delicious and you should offer it to your kids, be aware that eating too much can cause tooth decay. Instead of making lemonade or offering oranges for a snack, switch it up now and then.

Ice

Some kids have a tendency to chew on ice. However, even though ice is essentially just water, it’s not good for their dental health. That’s because continually chewing on hard substances, such as hard candy and ice, can break down tooth enamel and increase your child’s chances of developing dental issues.

Dried Fruit

In general, trail mix and dried fruit, including raisins and figs, are a great choice to pack in your child’s lunchbox. But, since sticky foods stay on the teeth longer, they’re more likely to cause damage. The American Dental Association recommends rinsing with water after eating dried fruits, as well as brushing and flossing carefully.

Bread

Starchy foods, like bread, can also be bad for your child’s teeth. While chewing, the bread breaks down into sugar. And, on top of that, it’s easy for bread to get stuck in-between teeth. So, does this mean that you should cut out sandwiches and toast from your kid’s diet? Of course not. But, the next time you go to the grocery store, keep an eye out for bread that contains less sugar.

Corn

Popcorn kernels and corn-on-the-cob can easily get lodged in the teeth. Not to mention, the longer it stays in your teeth, the more harm it causes. Plus, biting down on hard substances, like kernels, can damage and even break teeth. Therefore, while your child can still enjoy these foods, just make sure they’re careful when they eat them.

Overall, keep in mind that you don’t have to toss away all these fun foods from your pantry. In fact, many of the ‘bad foods’ on this list still offer great nutritional value. And, as long as they are eaten in moderation, they can still be a part of your child’s diet. Most importantly, they can still enjoy these snacks and keep a healthy smile.

Schedule an appointment for your child at Tooth Fairy Smiles today. You can also request an appointment through our online scheduler and we’ll get you set up as soon as possible.