Dried fruit is fruit that has had most of its water removed. This can be done naturally (such as sun drying) or using special dryers.

Because the water is removed, the natural sugars become more concentrated. This means when fruit is dried it shrinks, but the sugar stays behind. So, bite for bite, dried fruit has more sugar than fresh fruit.

Common dried fruits include:

• Raisins.
• Dates.
• Prunes.
• Figs.
• Apricots.
• Peaches.

Some dried fruits, such as mango, pineapple and berries, may also have extra sugar added, which can be more harmful to teeth.

---

Is dried fruit bad for your teeth?

There is no simple yes or no answer.

For many years, dental professionals have advised people – especially parents – not to give dried fruit as a snack. This is because dried fruit:

• Contains concentrated sugar.
• Is sticky and can cling to teeth.

Both of these can increase the risk of tooth decay.

However, newer research suggests the evidence is not as clear as once thought.

---

Why is there confusion?

We know that sugar causes tooth decay. The bacteria in dental plaque feed on sugar and produce acids that damage teeth.

The more often we eat sugary foods, the greater the risk.

But foods with natural sugars, like dried fruit, are sometimes grouped together with foods that have added sugars, which is not always accurate.

Some studies on raisins have even suggested they may contain compounds that help fight harmful mouth bacteria — but this research is still limited.

---

Should dried fruit be a snack?

Even if stickiness may not be as big a problem as once thought, dried fruit still contains concentrated sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay.

For now, it is safest to:

• Eat dried fruit as part of a meal or dessert, not as a frequent snack.
• Avoid grazing on it throughout the day.

Having it with a meal means saliva flow is higher, which helps protect teeth.

---

Summary

Dried fruit can be part of a healthy diet – just try to have it with meals, not between them, and keep good toothbrushing habits.