Scrolling through social media today means a constant feast for the eyes, with colourful and quirky food trends taking over our feeds and kitchens. While these viral snacks promise novelty and visual delight, a serious warning is emerging from dental professionals. Experts caution that some of the most popular treats are secretly sabotaging oral health, leading to bad breath and rampant bacterial growth.
The Hidden Dangers in Trendy Treats
According to insights shared by specialists at Zental Dental, several snacks dominating social media are strongly linked to oral health issues. The culprits are their high sugar content, acidic ingredients, and sticky textures. These elements disrupt the natural balance of the mouth, creating a perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive. The findings specifically highlight risks associated with cotton candy pickles, tanghulu, and Dubai chocolate.
Cotton Candy Pickles: A Sweet-Salty Threat
This internet sensation, with over four million views online, combines pickles, garlic, and fluffy cotton candy. Despite its polarising appeal, dentists point to a double whammy for your breath. Pickles, vinegar, and garlic naturally produce sulphur compounds that linger, a known cause of bad breath. When paired with the pure sugar from cotton candy, the problem intensifies dramatically.
Sugar acts as fuel for oral bacteria, increasing acidity and accelerating their growth, which in turn amplifies unpleasant odours. Dental experts warn that once these bacteria establish themselves, they can be difficult to eliminate. They recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash as one of the most effective countermeasures. For a natural fix, adding parsley to meals can help neutralise odours thanks to its natural deodorising properties.
Tanghulu's Glossy Crunch Harbours Risks
The traditional Chinese snack of fruit coated in hardened sugar has seen a massive resurgence, featured in over 72,900 TikTok posts. However, that glossy sugar shell, often containing 15 to 20 grams of pure sugar, creates an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria. As sugar clings to teeth, bacteria multiply rapidly, producing acid that erodes enamel and causes noticeable bad breath.
While brushing is essential, timing is critical. Dental professionals advise waiting 30 to 60 minutes after consuming sweet foods before brushing, as enamel is temporarily softened and vulnerable to micro-damage. In the interim, chewing xylitol-based sugar-free gum can help neutralise acid, stimulate saliva, and reduce cavity-causing bacteria.
Dubai Chocolate: Luxury with a Lingering Cost
This premium confection, boasting over seven million views online, blends rich chocolate, tahini, and pistachios. Its indulgent taste comes with a downside: an oily texture and high protein content. Dentists explain that the oils coat the mouth while the protein feeds bacteria, together increasing the production of strong, lingering sulphur compounds.
To counteract this effect, experts suggest green tea, whose polyphenols inhibit bacterial growth. Eating a crisp apple after such oily foods can also help scrub away residue naturally, reducing bacterial buildup.
Mindful Indulgence for Long-Term Health
Arif Al-Suwaidi, Co-Founder and CEO of Zental Dental, emphasises that understanding food's interaction with the mouth is key. "Sugary foods feed bacteria, acidic foods create lingering compounds and sticky textures make everything worse," he explained. The solution, however, can be simple: rinsing with water, waiting before brushing, and keeping mouthwash handy.
The bottom line is clear: while food trends may be fleeting, their impact on oral health can last much longer. By balancing indulgence with awareness and adopting simple, mindful hygiene practices, it's possible to enjoy viral flavours without sacrificing a confident, healthy smile.
Note: The information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance.
