Many people commonly avoid sugar to protect their teeth. Candies and sodas often top the list of foods to steer clear of. However, some foods widely considered "healthy" can also pose a significant threat to oral health.

According to Doctor Miles Madison, a periodontist and dental implant specialist trained at the University of California, the issue extends beyond just what you eat. In an Instagram video, the Beverly Hills-based expert explained that factors like a food's stickiness, sugar content, or acidity, and how long it remains in the mouth, are also critical.

Chewing ice after finishing a drink is the quickest path to enamel damage. Photo: Today Show

Here are some surprising foods that can harm your oral health:

Dried fruit

Dentists explain that while dried fruit is often perceived as natural and healthy, it is very sticky and contains high concentrations of sugar that cling to teeth. This can promote the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.

Globally, nearly 3,7 billion people suffer from poor oral health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Sometimes, even the healthiest habits can backfire.

Crackers and potato chips

If you think only sweet snacks can damage your teeth, think again. Doctor Madison notes that savory snacks such as crackers, potato chips, and Goldfish crackers can also cause oral health problems.

He explained that these snacks are rich in refined starches, which quickly break down into simple sugars when chewed. The crumbs also easily get stuck between teeth, feeding cavity-causing bacteria for hours.

A 1993 study showed that snacks like potato chips, cheese puffs, and crackers caused a greater and more prolonged plaque pH drop because they linger in the mouth longer. This can lead to tooth decay, as lower pH (higher acidity) allows bacteria to dissolve tooth enamel.

Ice

If you have a habit of chewing ice, consider this a sign to stop. Chewing ice is the quickest path to enamel damage.

The dentist warns: "I see many people chewing ice after they finish their drinks. Chewing ice can weaken your tooth enamel and lead to broken teeth." So, the next time you finish a drink, resist the urge to chew the ice.

Flavored yogurt

In this era of clean eating, many are obsessed with yogurt. However, flavored varieties are not ideal for your health, including your teeth.

Yogurt is known to be beneficial for gut health and can even help prevent colon cancer, but many flavored yogurts contain as much sugar as a dessert.

Doctor Madison agrees that flavored yogurts are packed with sugar, and it is best to avoid them if you want to maintain good oral health.

Barbecue sauce and ketchup

Barbecue sauce and ketchup are among the most deceptively sugary condiments on the market. While they can provide the finishing touch to a meal, they are often loaded with sugar.

"In fact, a single packet of ketchup in America contains more sugar than a packet of sugar. So, say no and avoid these items," the doctor advised.

(According to Times of India)