We all know that popcorn is an obnoxious food to have stuck between our teeth. One hard crunch and we know we’re doomed to spend at least 15 minutes trying to get it out. But what about other pesky foods? Surely someone’s made a list.
If you have big plans coming up, are tired of constantly swabbing your braces, or just want to know more about how to maintain healthy teeth, look no further – this list is for you! Here are the top five worst foods to find wedged between your teeth. Besides popcorn, that is.
#5: Regular Corn
Before you dismiss #5 as cheating, think about all the discomfort that comes with pesky popcorn kernels. The shell casings from the kernels can cause some very unwelcome pressure, and typically find their way to the back of your teeth, which are harder to reach.
Now imagine that those casings are soft. It’s difficult to get a good grip, and even when you think you got it – it tears, leaving behind one or two moldable particles. To make matters worse, if you happen to be eating corn off the cob, it’s stuck between your front teeth, where everyone can see it.
#4: Chia Seeds
If you enjoy a good yogurt bowl, you might already be familiar with these innocent-seeming causes of terror. Unlike corn, which is often noticeable, you might not realize that tiny chia seeds are caught in your incisors until after your nightly cleaning routine!
#3: White Bread
White bread is the perfect representative for dense grains. It has the texture of putty: extremely squishy, to the point where it adheres to your teeth. Even after a good brushing, you’re more than likely to still find white bread residue clinging to your teeth. The sugar and starches found in this bread fuel cavity-causing plaque, making it particularly problematic.
#2: Dried Mangos
“But fruit is good for me!” That’s exactly what makes dried fruit #2 on this list. Even though it’s a healthy snack, it’s still just as sticky and chewy as white bread, and contains even more sugar. You might just be trying to find a good potato chip alternative, but the especially gummy dried mangos will sneak between your teeth and refuse to leave.
#1: Taffy
Ooey, gooey, and sugary, taffy is the absolute worst to have suctioned to your teeth. It’s both the most difficult food to remove on this list and the item with the highest sugar content, making it a nightmare for both patients and dentists. Taffy will all but take your pearly whites hostage, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay the longer it lingers in your mouth.
These top five contenders for pesky foods might be challenging to remove, but they’re no match for your dentist! If you’re experiencing a toothache or something lodged between your teeth that you just can’t get out, call your emergency dentist. The cause could be a sneaky chia seed. Your emergency dentist will remove any unwelcome guests quickly and make sure your oral health stays on track.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Tadros practices at Del Rey Dental in Dallas. He sympathizes with the aches a tough piece of food can cause and would be happy to remove any debris that proves too difficult for ordinary flossing and brushing. To make a same-day emergency appointment or schedule a cleaning, contact the office at 469-917-7444 or visit his website.