Everyone hates the feeling of food being stuck between your teeth. In addition to it being uncomfortable, it can be visible to others, resulting in embarrassment. However, some foods are more harmful when stuck between the teeth than others. It can take a toll on your oral health, resulting in cavities and other issues. Continue reading to learn which foods are the worst to be stuck between your teeth.
Popcorn
We’ve all been there. You’re watching a movie with a bucket of popcorn, and the shell of a popcorn kernel gets wedged between your teeth – sometimes even beneath the gumline! This is one of the most difficult foods to remove. In some cases, floss doesn’t even dislodge it, requiring one to seek help from their dentist.
Meat
Some meats can be tough and chewy, leading to thin strands being caught between your teeth. Tougher meats, like steak, are especially difficult to remove from the teeth. Other common culprits are ribs and chicken wings.
White Bread
Most people don’t realize that white bread is one of the worst foods that can stick between the teeth. Particles of white bread become mushy as you chew and become trapped in the spaces between the teeth.
Raspberries
Berries are great for your health. They are delicious, and fresh raspberries are among the top sources of antioxidants for your diet. However, just like ribs and popcorn kernels, raspberry seeds can easily find their way into back molars, being very difficult to get out. An average raspberry has about 120 seeds. Once you are finished eating raspberries, carefully floss and rinse your mouth to remove any that may have become stuck.
Caramel Apples
When fall rolls around and the weather cools off, a caramel apple is a delicious treat that fits the season. While apples are excellent for the teeth, caramel is very sticky, so it latches onto the walls of the teeth, increasing your risk of cavities. The longer that sugar remains on the teeth, the higher the risk.
Potato Chips
Potato chips may be a delicious, crunchy snack, but they clump up into the grooves of the teeth. You can usually feel it when you bite down. It’s best to keep potato chips as an occasional treat, and you should always rinse your mouth with a glass of water afterward to wash the starch away.
In addition to being uncomfortable, having food stuck between your teeth can be harmful to your smile. It’s a good idea to keep a small container of floss with you and rinse your mouth after enjoying these treats. Chewing sugar-free gum is another helpful trick. By removing these items from between your teeth as soon as possible, you can give your smile a better chance at success!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 40 years! He earned his dental doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University. He regularly participates in continuing education courses, most prominently the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dentistry, the Misch Implant Institute restorative program, and the Dawson series of continuing education programs. He also has advanced training in forensic dentistry and obstructive sleep apnea treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his practice in Stephens City, visit his website or call (540) 508-8405.