Cheetos are a popular crunchy cheese-flavored snack made by Frito-Lay. With their bright orange color and cheesy taste, they are an iconic and beloved snack food. However, some people wonder if eating Cheetos can lead to cavities in the teeth. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in Cheetos, how they impact oral health, and whether moderate snacking on this tasty treat really causes tooth decay.
What are Cheetos made of?
Cheetos are made from enriched cornmeal, vegetable oil, and cheese seasoning. The cheese seasoning contains whey from milk, cheddar cheese, and additives like salt, yeast extract, citric acid, and artificial colors that give Cheetos their bright orange hue.
So while Cheetos do contain some real cheese products like cheddar cheese and whey, they are not entirely made from cheese. The cornmeal and oil make up the largest proportion of the snack. The cheese flavoring also relies on artificial colors and yeast extracts rather than large amounts of actual cheese.
Do the ingredients in Cheetos cause cavities?
Certain components of Cheetos may impact oral health, while others likely pose little risk for cavities. Here is a breakdown:
Enriched Cornmeal
The enriched cornmeal that forms the base of Cheetos is not particularly cariogenic, meaning it doesn’t cause tooth decay. Starch components like cornmeal do not cling to teeth and are cleared from the mouth relatively quickly via saliva.
Vegetable Oil
The vegetable oil used in Cheetos also does not directly cause cavities. Oils do not contain fermentable carbohydrates that can be used by the bacteria in dental plaque to produce cavity-causing acid.
Cheese Seasoning
The cheese flavoring contains some ingredients that may be more detrimental to oral health. Real cheese products like cheddar cheese and milk whey contain calcium and phosphate, minerals that help strengthen and remineralize tooth enamel. However, they also contain lactose, a fermentable dairy sugar.
The added lactose provides fuel for the bacteria in dental plaque to metabolize into acids that break down enamel and cause cavities. A 2021 study in the British Dental Journal found the lactose content in cheddar cheese may make it mildly cariogenic.
Other Additives
Ingredients like yeast extract, salt, and citric acid are not directly linked to cavities. However, the artificial colors may cause some concern. Studies show dyes like annatto, paprika extract, and turmeric used to give foods bright orange and yellow hues may have cariogenic effects.
Overall, some aspects of the cheese seasoning may be deleterious to oral health while others are neutral or beneficial.
Cheetos texture and cariogenicity
Beyond the ingredients, the crunchy texture of Cheetos is also relevant when considering their cavity-causing potential. Their hard, crunchy nugget shape means:
- They do not adhere to tooth surfaces well
- They are cleared from the mouth quickly by saliva flow and chewing motions
- They may actually help clean plaque off surfaces rather than increase it
This physical property likely counteracts some of the cariogenic aspects of the cheese flavoring. The fact they are crunchy snacks rather than sticky, chewy candies means they spend less time contacting the teeth. This gives them less opportunity to bathe the enamel in acids.
Acidity and pH of Cheetos
Measuring the pH of foods provides another perspective on their potential to cause cavities. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity, and the more damaging to tooth enamel. Tests of Cheetos’ pH yield values around 5.5, which is only mildly acidic.
For comparison, soda drinks have pH values from 2.5 to 3.5. These more acidic products are more likely to erode enamel than moderately acidic foods like Cheetos.
Cheetos and dental plaque
The combination of sticky texture and low pH is best at promoting plaque buildup and enamel demineralization from that plaque. While Cheetos have modest acidity, their crunchy texture prevents them from getting stuck on teeth and increasing plaque.
Overall, Cheetos do not have ideal properties to adhere to teeth, sit against enamel for extended periods, and feed the bacteria in dental plaque. Their transitory contact with tooth surfaces limits their potential to cause cavities.
Amount and frequency of Cheetos eating
As with any food, overindulgence in Cheetos could make them more detrimental to oral health. Continually munching on any snack leads to prolonged acid attacks and more opportunities for cavities to form.
Most experts recommend limiting snack frequency to avoid extended enamel exposure to food acids. Following general moderation guidelines can help balance enjoyment of Cheetos with cavity prevention:
- Consume them in modest amounts as a snack, not as a meal replacement
- Allow time between snacking for saliva to remineralize enamel
- Rinse with water after eating to clear food debris
- Don’t continuously snack on them throughout the day
With good oral hygiene and limited snacking frequency, the cariogenic risks of Cheetos can be managed.
Other oral health considerations with Cheetos
Cavities aren’t the only dental issue related to Cheetos. Some other considerations include:
Tooth fractures
The crunchy texture that minimizes decay risk does present a fracture risk. Their hardness means biting down carries a chance of cracking teeth or dental work like fillings, crowns, or veneers. Avoiding excessive chomping force can limit damage when enjoying these crispy snacks.
Orange smile
Cheetos are infamous for leaving an orange residue on fingers and lips after eating. This vibrant, cheesy dust can also coat the tooth surfaces, resulting in an orange smile. While not a health concern, some may wish to brush after snacking to remove this temporary tint.
Gingivitis
The oils and salt in Cheetos may exacerbate gingivitis (gum inflammation) which could lead to further gum disease. Scheduling regular cleanings and maintaining careful oral hygiene is important if Cheetos are a regular snack choice.
Cavity prevention tips
While Cheetos in moderation likely pose little cavity risk, maintaining good oral hygiene is still important if you enjoy this snack. Some tips for balancing snacking with dental health include:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once daily to clear food debris between teeth
- Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol to stimulate saliva after eating
- Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings
- Rinse with water after snack sessions
- Limit snacking frequency to avoid constant acid bombardment
With smart oral hygiene practices, people can keep their smiles bright and healthy while still enjoying the occasional indulgence in snacks like Cheetos.
The bottom line
Do Cheetos cause cavities? Overall, research suggests that:
- Some aspects of Cheetos like their cheese seasonings have mild cariogenic potential.
- Their crunchy texture and limited adherence to enamel counteract some of these risks
- When consumed in moderation with proper dental hygiene, Cheetos pose little risk for tooth decay
So with careful habits, cheese lovers can keep enjoying the iconic orange crunch of Cheetos without great concern about cavities. But overdoing the snacking can tip the balance towards detriments for your dental health. As with any food, it’s best to enjoy Cheetos in moderation as part of a balanced diet and oral care routine.