Singaporean foods that can affect oral health

Ask 10 Singaporeans what they love most about the country, and there’s a good chance many will say, “the food.” It’s at the heart of our daily lives, celebrations, and even casual conversations. We’re fiercely proud of our culinary legacy – from our UNESCO-recognised hawker culture to the Michelin-minted street food and restaurants around the city.

But while our dining scene brings immense joy and pride, some of Singapore’s most beloved local dishes can unknowingly take a toll on oral health.

Now, before you get defensive, don’t worry – we’re not here to cancel the dishes we all hold so dear. But food feeds bacteria in the mouth, and if you want to avoid common oral care issues like bad breath, cavities, gum problems, and plaque buildup, it’s worth paying attention to how certain local favourites might be quietly fuelling harmful bacterial growth, and why that matters for your oral health.

Here’s a closer look at 4 popular Singaporean dishes that could be causing oral care issues, and how you can actively prevent said problems with the help of the upgraded Colgate Total toothpastes.

1. Kopi