Just because a food is on the “worst” list for your teeth doesn’t mean it’s on the worst list for your sweet tooth or savory craving. When you want to indulge, Manhattan is the place to be. It’s important, however, to be careful with your vices, not only for your waistline, but for the sake of your teeth.
The Rainbow Bagel
Located in Williamsburg, The Bagel Store is home to the rainbow bagel. Who doesn’t love a good New York City bagel, especially one that looks like a color explosion and is stuffed with funfetti cream cheese? It’s a savory and sweet explosion that is a delight to look at and eat. This treat is also chewy one, and it could do a real number on your dental work. Chewy food not only gets stuck in your teeth more easily, it can also tear out teeth that are loose or broken. Proceed cautiously with bagels and other chewy foods like caramel, and get thee to your Manhattan dentist stat to find out why your teeth are loose and to get repairs on any damaged teeth.
5 foods and drinks that can stain your teeth >>
The Cronut
On Spring Street in Soho, the line at Dominique Ansel Bakery runs deep morning after morning. At one time, it was the kouign amann pastry with rich dough and caramelized crust that drew the crowds. Now, of course, it’s the Cronut that has people paying others to stand and wait in line for them. This donut-croissant hybrid is sugared, glazed, and sweet. If you have a toothache, the Cronut will find it for you. Be sure to brush and floss afterward, and keep up with your preventive care dental appointments to ensure that you are cavity free.
The Woody Allen
The Carnegie Deli’s most famous sandwich, the two-pound corned beef and pastrami known as The Woody Allen, is still going strong in the shop that’s been open since 1937. Unfortunately for denture-wearers, getting their mouth around this monster of a meal can be quite a challenge. People who wear dental implants, on the other hand, can enjoy any Carnegie Deli delight without worry – their teeth are solidly in place with no chance of moving. Dig in and chew happily away! (You are responsible for your own arteries.)
Do selfie-lovers have better oral health? >>
Classic Vanilla Cupcake
Magnolia Bakery put cupcakes on the map thanks to a few moments in the spotlight courtesy of Sex & the City and the Saturday Night Live short “Lazy Sunday.” Bleecker Street’s incredibly appealing sweets are a mouthful and then some. For a slightly smaller cupcake indulgence, there is always Magnolia’s direct competitor, Sprinkles, which holds the title of “world’s first cupcake bakery.” Whichever way your growling stomach takes you, be sure you look good biting into these famous sweets. Is it time for your smile makeover with porcelain veneers?
5 reasons a smile makeover is better than New York Fashion Week >>
Dig In and Care for Your Teeth
Wondering where the New York City chocolate shops are on this list? Well, chocolate is actually one of the better sweets for your teeth. If you find yourself in Dylan’s Candy Bar or The Sweet Shop, do your oral health a favor and go for the dark chocolate (with a drink of water afterward). Chocolate is less likely to adhere to your tooth enamel and is washed away more easily by saliva. If you can’t stop your sweet tooth from taking over, you can at least tame it a little by going for chocolate.
Have fun in life, especially in Manhattan. Don’t shy away from the touristy hot spots if you just can’t tame that craving, but remember to keep your teeth healthy in the process. Make an appointment with Dr. Michael J. Wei’s Manhattan dental office to make sure your oral health allows you to indulge anytime you want.
