The "Sticky" Truth About Your Child's Favorite Snacks
April 14, 2026
Most parents know that candy and soda are bad for teeth. But what if the "healthy" snacks in your pantry—like goldfish, pretzels, and potato chips—were doing just as much damage?
In our latest video, Dr. Tetiana Bass breaks down the science of how starchy foods act like "hidden sugars" in the mouth.
"It's not just about what they eat, but how often they eat it. Starchy carbs stick to the teeth and stay there, providing a constant fuel source for cavity-causing bacteria." — Dr. Tetiana Bass
3 Rules for a Cavity-Free Kitchen:
The "Sticky" Rule: If a food sticks to the teeth (like crackers or dried fruit), it stays in the mouth longer and creates more acid.
Frequency Over Amount: Grazing on snacks throughout the day is more harmful than eating one treat at mealtime because the mouth never gets a chance to "reset" its pH balance.
Beware of Liquid Sugars: Juices and flavored milks are "liquid sugar" that coat every surface of the tooth instantly.