Trick or Treat? Myth Number Four

4. There are some fruits and vegetables that could damage my smile.

TRUE. While for the most part vegetables are safe, there are some healthy fruits than can be problematic. The good news is that veggies like carrots and celery actually help clean teeth because they are high in fiber and water and get your saliva flowing. They can even neutralize acids that cause cavities and gum disease. Score for the veggies.

Fruits like oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes that are high in acid content can damage your pearly whites, so eat them during a meal when the saliva produced from other foods can help wash that acid away. Dried fruits that are sticky and high in sugar can operate just like candy, remaining on teeth for a long time and leading to decay. Want a better fruit choice? Opt for an apple instead.