Five "healthy" foods dentists hate
Whoever said, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," clearly wasn't a dentist.
Going to the dentist can be a terrifying experience, but it is necessary to ensure the health of the only set of teeth you have.
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Unlike many other species, sharks come to mind, humans develop only one set of adult teeth, and we have to do our part in keeping them healthy.
Oral hygiene is one of the most important practices that humans incorporate into their daily lives.
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From a young age, we're taught that the biggest threats to dental health are sugar, whether it be candy or drinks.
Sugar takes the brunt of the blame when it comes to cavities, but dentists are here to tell you that some of the healthier snack options could also be harmful to your teeth.
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Other factors that contribute to dental health:
- Stickiness
- Acidity
- Texture
- Biting
- Firmness
Some seemingly harmless foods could be silently providing the conditions for cavities, sensitivity and long-term wear on your teeth.
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Dentists don't want you to eliminate these foods from your diet completely, but want you to be mindful and cautious when enjoying them.
Here are the five snacks considered dangerous by dentists:
1. Ice
- One of the fastest ways to damage enamel.
- Its hardness can cause splintering of teeth, wear down fillings, and crack crowns.
- Dentists recommend letting ice melt slowly in your mouth rather than crunching it, even if you're tempted.
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2. Apples
- The hard crunch is tough on teeth, and biting into one whole can chip enamel or damage fillings.
- Dentists suggest cutting apples into slices to reduce the risk to your teeth while still enjoying their health benefits.
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3. Dried fruit
- Raisins, figs, and apricots are often considered a healthy alternative to candy, but dentists consider them part of the same danger zone.
- Their sticky texture clings to enamel and traps natural sugars against teeth for long periods.
- Extended exposure makes cavities more likely, even with natural fruit.
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4. Popcorn
- Dentists say you might want to set your movie must-have aside.
- Popcorn can get stuck between your teeth, filling small gaps.
- The thin husks often wedge into gums, where they can cause irritation or infection.
- Biting down on an unpopped kernel is a fast way to crack a tooth or break a filling.
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5. White bread
- Refined white bread quickly breaks down into sugar as you chew.
- The soft, gummy texture allows it to pack into small gaps between teeth where bacteria thrive. (Same for other starchy foods like rice, pasta, and chips.)
- Over time, that buildup increases your risk of cavities and gum irritation.
Don't get too sad, you can still healthily enjoy these snacks if you are cautious and aware.
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