Many people think only sweets cause decay. In fact bread and starchy foods can also contribute, especially when they stay stuck on the teeth.
- Starch turns into sugar in the mouth, so bread and starchy foods can also contribute to decay.
- Soft and sticky types stay on the teeth more easily.
- Eating at main meals, drinking plain water and flossing lower the risk.
- Sensitivity when eating, dark spots or a small hole are reasons to see a dentist.
The starch in bread, rice, noodles and potatoes is broken down by enzymes in saliva into simple sugars right in the mouth. Bacteria use that sugar to make acid, and acid makes enamel lose minerals. So starchy foods, especially soft and sticky ones, can also contribute to decay even though they are not as sweet as candy.
Why can starch cause decay?
- Starch turns into sugar in the mouth thanks to saliva enzymes.
- Soft bread, biscuits and chips easily stick in the chewing grooves and between teeth.
- Snacking many times a day keeps teeth in contact with acid for longer.
- Eating them with jam, sweet sauce or chocolate raises the risk further.
How to eat them with less harm
- Eat them at main meals instead of snacking all day.
- Choose wholegrain types with more fibre, which need more chewing and stick less.
- Eat them with vegetables, meat, fish or cheese to stimulate saliva.
- Drink plain water after the meal to wash away some of the crumbs.
Cleaning your teeth afterwards
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, see fluoride in toothpaste.
- Use floss to remove bread caught between teeth, see how to floss correctly every day.
- Have regular check ups to find decay early, see tooth decay in adults.
When should you see a dentist?
If your teeth feel sensitive when you eat, there are dark spots on the biting surface or you notice a small hole, have them checked early. Catching a small cavity early usually means simpler treatment. See also how to snack with less harm to teeth and everyday habits that harm teeth.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, so the dentist can check your teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Does bread cause tooth decay?
It can contribute, because starch turns into sugar in the mouth and bacteria use sugar to make acid. Soft, sticky types stay on the teeth more easily.
How can I eat starchy food with less harm to teeth?
Eat it at main meals, choose wholegrain types, eat it with vegetables and protein, drink plain water afterwards and brush properly.
How do I remove bread stuck between my teeth?
Use floss or a gentle water flosser, and do not poke hard sharp objects into the gaps.