As part of National Smile Month, a charity campaign aiming to raise awareness about good oral health, dental expert Dr. Nigel Carter discussed foods that may be detrimental to dental health. Dr. Carter, the chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, provided insights on which foods to consider avoiding during grocery shopping.
Crisps can contain high amounts of salt that can dry out the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Additionally, crisps are carbohydrates that break down into sugar after consumption. Dr. Carter explains: “Sugars react with the plaque in our mouths. This reaction produces plaque acids which attack the enamel of the teeth. If you do not effectively brush this away with a toothbrush and toothpaste, this can eventually cause cavities to form in your teeth.”
Many children include crisps in their lunch boxes; 25% of parents reported packing them as snacks, and 32% prioritized snacks in their weekly shopping1. To mitigate risks when consuming crisps, it is recommended to drink water alongside them.
Sweets are another concern due to their high sugar content, which increases the likelihood of tooth decay. The texture of sweets can also pose additional risks. Dr. Carter notes: “If you are having a hard sweet, your teeth can be damaged if you bite heavily on it and have weak teeth. Chewy or sticky sweets can cling to the teeth for longer while eating. The longer the sugar is in contact with your teeth, the more time it will have to inflict damage.”
Research by the Oral Health Foundation indicates that stress-induced comfort eating, particularly sugary snacks, is a common cause of unhealthy dietary habits. According to their research, over one-in-four (28%) people are more likely to consume sugary foods when stressed.
Healthy eating habits are encouraged, such as swapping processed white bread for granary or wholemeal bread. More than two-in-three (70%) people prioritize bread during regular shopping (NSM 2022 survey). However, even healthy bread options may pose risks for oral health due to husks or seeds that could cause discomfort or injury when bitten into.
Dr. Carter states: “Seeded bread is one of the most common reasons for visits to the dentist with broken teeth and lost fillings and trauma to the gums from sharp or hard pieces in the bread. Some breads can even have higher amounts of sugar based on how processed they are.”
Cereal bars might appear healthy but often contain hidden sugars and other risks for oral health. Dr. Carter adds: “Not only are they sticky and can get lodged in the grooves of our teeth, but they are also often very sugary, which causes tooth decay. Plus, as with bread, cereal bars with nuts and seeds can cause lost fillings or broken teeth due to hardness when chewing them.” Consumers should check nutritional information and seek healthier alternatives where possible.
The Oral Health Foundation emphasizes that every time sugary foods or drinks are consumed, teeth undergo an acid attack lasting up to one hour. It is advised to limit sugary intake to mealtimes only and avoid brushing immediately after eating since weakened enamel could be brushed off.
To counteract acid attacks on teeth, chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes, rinsing with fluoride mouthwash, or drinking water is recommended.
For more information about maintaining oral health, visit www.smilemonth.org.
1. Oral Health Foundation (2020) ‘National Smile Month Public Survey’.
