It’s happened to all of us at one point in our lives—that annoying sensation of food stuck between our teeth, causing discomfort and sometimes embarrassment. While it’s a common occurrence for some, there are certain foods that are notorious for getting wedged in those hard-to-reach spaces within our mouths. Continue reading below to learn more about a few foods that your dentist thinks are problematic for one’s smile due to their tendency to become stuck between teeth!
#1. Popcorn
While popcorn is a beloved movie snack and comes in all sorts of flavors and varieties, its hulls and kernels can easily lodge themselves between your teeth—and if you have braces, underneath your brackets and wires, possibly damaging them. Their sharp edges make them particularly adept at getting stuck, and if they aren’t removed promptly, they can irritate your teeth and gums alike.
#2. Ribs and Tough Meats
Tough and fibrous meats, such as steak, pork, ribs, wings, and more can become shredded into tiny strings that get caught between your teeth; plus, some of these choices also still have bones, posing an additional threat to your soft, delicate oral structures! Flossing becomes a challenging task as these fibers tend to intertwine with dental work, making removing them crucial to prevent decay and irritation.
#3. Caramel and Taffy
Sticky candies like caramel and taffy are not only sticky but also adhere to the crevices inside your mouth and around your teeth. These sweets, while challenging to avoid at times, can also be just as challenging to remove, as they allow sugar to linger and promote tooth decay. Additionally, the prolonged chewing involved in consuming these streets highly increases the chances of them getting stuck!
#4. Chips and Crackers
Chips and crackers don’t necessarily get stuck in your teeth the same way as some of these other items do; rather, as they’re chewed and ground down, they turn into a fine powder that then clumps up in the deep grooves on top of your teeth. Not to mention, these starchy items are processed by the body similarly to sugary sweets, meaning that they can just as easily lead to decay and cavities.
#5. Spinach
Text It’s true that spinach is revered by nutritionists as a “superfood” due to its numerous health benefits, but it can still pose a small threat to your pearly whites. Spinach is so soft that it can easily become stuck between teeth without causing any sort of discomfort; once there, it won’t just look awkward whenever you smile, but can also begin to cause tooth decay—just like any other type of food.
While enjoying these foods in moderation is fine, it’s still wise to show caution and be aware of the potential dental challenges they pose. In any case, as you’re avoiding these foods, you should also be certain that you’re maintaining regular oral hygiene and drinking plenty of water!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Timothy Zajac, our team at Community Dentists of Worcester has proudly served the dental needs of the Worcester, MA community for several years. Our practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re due for your next visit, don’t hesitate to contact us online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (774) 255-7345.
