If you were to name the biggest causes of cavities, there’s a good chance that candy and soda would be at the top of your list. There’s no denying that sugary foods and drinks can destroy tooth enamel if you don’t do a thorough job of brushing and flossing.
But there’s another type of snack that dentists we talked to said is just as cavity-causing as candy. In some cases, it’s an even bigger offender. It’s a snack both kids and adults enjoy: cheese snacks like Goldfish crackers, Annie’s cheddar bunnies and Cheez-Its.
Refined carbs like these affect oral health more than you know. “As a dentist, I actually see this more often than candy-related decay — and that surprises parents,” said Dr. Catrise Austin, a New York City-based celebrity cosmetic dentist.
Fortunately, you don’t have to forgo these types of snacks completely for the sake of your smile — and you can still give them to your kids, too. You just have to know how to prevent them from sticking around your mouth longer than you want.
How Crackers Cause Cavities
