Not just the usual suspects like sugar that may be harmful. Some surprising — even healthy — foods can cause cavities, while others can help protect you from decay, gum disease, and even bad breath. Here’s how to tailor your diet for optimal dental health:

Eat carbs at mealtimes
A handful of potato chips or even a wholewheat roll can be just as damaging to your teeth and gums as a chocolate chip cookie. All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are ultimately converted by bacteria in the mouth into plaque, a sticky residue that is the primary cause of gum disease and cavities. Carb-based foods such as breads and crackers tend to have “a chewy, adhesive texture,” making it easier for them to get caught between teeth or under the gum line, where bacteria can then accumulate, says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Have carbs at mealtimes rather than as a snack: When you eat a larger amount of food, you produce more saliva, which helps wash food particles away.
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