So, which is worse for your teeth?
It might seem like candy is the obvious answer, but in fact, crackers or chips can be worse!
Starchy foods like crackers, chips, and white bread, tend to stay stuck in the grooves of teeth long after a meal. And while these foods are not thought of as "sweets," they all tend to include sugar in their list of ingredients. Saltine crackers are a simple starch, which means that they convert into sugar almost immediately. Cavity-causing bacteria love to feed on sugar -- no matter what the source! In turn, the bacteria produce acids that harm tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
One of the most harmful aspects of eating foods like crackers is that most people do not suspect that they are a cavity culprit. Eating these types of foods with a meal (instead of as a stand alone snack) will aid in their breakdown and digestion. If you are not able to brush your teeth after eating, make sure that you rinse very well with water and try using a toothpick to dislodge any particles that are stuck in your teeth.
Parents should also take heed when it comes to their children's snacks. Some of those go-to crackers may be an unintended source of decay! Try more complex carbohydrate snacks like nuts, fruit slices, or cheese, which won't stay lodged in teeth grooves all day long.
