What do coffee creamer and prenatal vitamins have in common? You’re probably thinking this is an odd question, but it’s not. SUGAR. SUGAR IS WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON. Many people don’t realize that gummy prenatal vitamins contain sugar, and so do most coffee creamers. And it’s not a little bit of sugar, it is a significant component of both of these products.
As a dentist I have been seeing patients come in with once healthy mouths free of cavities that become mouths full of cavities. Good oral hygiene (home brushing and flossing) is not enough to keep cavities away. Diet plays a big role in cavity formation. Chewy prenatal vitamins can be thought of like a sticky candy- they contain sugar, they melt slowly in your mouth, and they stick to your teeth. Not to mention that this is perfect food for bacteria in your mouth, yuck! Coffee creamer is also sugar laden, bathes your teeth in sugar, and can also cause cavities.
I’m not saying that these products should not be used, but as your dentist I think it is important for my patients to know that they contain sugar and can make your teeth susceptible to decay. If you use chewy prenantal vitamins, take them with a meal. After you finish your meal, rinse your mouth out with water. You can brush your teeth and floss after you eat as well, but wait a few minutes after you finish. Why? Well, let the pH of your mouth return to a neutral level- that takes some time. If you use coffee creamers, flavored or unflavored, take less than 30 minutes to consume all of your coffee. You are at higher risk of decay if you drink coffee with sugar throughout the day. Why? The same reason as with prenatal vitamins. Sugar lowers the pH of your mouth and feeds bacteria, dissolves tooth enamel and then causes cavities.
Good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits are key in fighting off cavities. I hope you gained some good information!
Happy snacking,
Dr. Frankel
Image by: “Nutriouseats.com” is licensed under CC BY
Image by: “Sheknows.com” is licensed under CC BY
