10 Foods Most Likely to Cause a Cavity
Posted on August 26, 2025 by Associates of Dentistry
Cavities, also known as dental caries, develop when bacteria in the mouth feast on sugars and starches in food, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. While most people know that sweets can hurt your teeth, many everyday foods can also increase your risk. Here are the top 10 foods most likely to cause a cavity.
1. Sticky Sweets and Candy
Candy—especially gummy, chewy, or sticky types—can adhere to teeth, providing a lasting source of sugar for bacteria to produce acid. This ongoing exposure significantly increases cavity risk.
2. Sugary Drinks (Soda, Fruit Juice, Sweetened Tea/Coffee)
Sugary beverages expose your teeth to both sugar and acid, breaking down enamel and fueling decay-causing bacteria. Even diet sodas without sugar can be highly acidic and damage tooth structure.
3. Starchy Snacks (White Bread, Crackers, Potato Chips, Pretzels)
Starches may seem less obvious, but foods like white bread, crackers, and chips break down into sugar in your mouth and often get stuck in between teeth. This provides a prolonged source of food for cavity-causing bacteria.
4. Dried Fruits
Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates are concentrated with sugar and have a sticky texture that makes them cling to teeth, much like candy. This stickiness increases cavity risk.
5. Acidic Foods (Citrus Fruits, Tomatoes, Pasta Sauce)
Citrus fruits and foods containing tomatoes are highly acidic and can erode enamel, leaving teeth more prone to forming cavities.
6. Sports and Energy Drinks
Marketed as healthy, these drinks are often loaded with sugar and acid. Consuming them frequently can seriously damage teeth, especially in children and athletes.
7. Chocolate Milk
Though it may provide calcium, chocolate milk contains high amounts of added sugar, making it a risk for children and adults alike.
8. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol causes dry mouth, reducing saliva’s protective effects. Many alcoholic mixed drinks also contain sugar or acidic mixers, making them doubly problematic.
9. Chewy and Gummy Snacks (Fruit Roll-Ups, Jelly Candies)
These snacks are marketed as fun or even healthy, but their sugar and sticky consistency are a recipe for cavities, especially in children.
10. Jellies and Jams
While these spreads are rich in fruit flavor, their sugar content and sticky texture help bacteria thrive and stick to teeth.
A few additional foods worth mentioning are white bread and other highly processed carbs, cough syrup (due to hidden sugars), and peanut butter (when sweetened and left on teeth).
Tips for Cavity Prevention:
- Enjoy these foods and beverages in moderation, not as regular snacks.
- Brush and floss thoroughly, especially after consuming sugary or starchy foods.
- Drink water to help wash away sugars and acids after meals.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Making smart dietary choices is vital for keeping your smile healthy and cavity-free! For more dental health tips or to schedule your next checkup, contact Associates of Dentistry today.
