It can’t be a coincidence that Jack-o-lanterns all seem to be missing some teeth. Candy can be a trick and a treat – the trick is that treat can wreak havoc on your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist in Bristol VA wants you to keep your little ghosts and goblins smiling by letting them dress up and collect treats with their friends, then limit the most harmful type of candy after a few treats.
Sugary treats that stay on your teeth provide a snacking opportunity for bacteria to eat away and weaken the enamel on your teeth constantly. Eventually, this erosion can lead to a cavity.
Sort through the loot that comes home and grab a few premium pieces for yourself. Then limit the candies that are worst for their teeth by keeping them out of reach, donating them, or tossing them.
Chocolate
How often do you get to tell your kids to eat more chocolate? Chocolate is one of the best kinds of candy, dentally speaking, because it comes off of teeth easier than most other candy. Dark chocolate is even better, because it has a relatively low amount of sugar, and has been proven to be good for heart health and overall health.
Sour Candies
The worst offender in the bucket is the super sour variety of candy. Sour candy is very acidic. Combined with the sugar content, they’re a sure bet to eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Enamel starts to erode at a pH level of 4, while most sour candy has a pH level of 3 or below. For example, Sour Skittles have a pH of 2.2 and battery acid comes in at a pH level of 1. Your enamel may be the hardest substance in your body, but it’s no match to the powerful puckering punch of sour candy.
Sticky and Gummy Candies
Anything sticky and sweet is sure to stick around afterward for a prolonged celebration. Sticky and gummy candy is hard to remove, especially in between teeth and hidden crevices. Sour, sticky candy packs a double punch to your enamel. Limit the amount of sticky candy and be sure to brush thoroughly before bedtime on Halloween night.
Hard Candy
Sucking on hard candy over a prolonged period bathes your teeth in sugar. When you’re tempted to chew on it at the end, the inflexible candy can lead to cracked teeth. They’re called jawbreakers for a reason, so limit how long you keep hard candy in your mouth (unless it’s sugar-free) and definitely don’t chew.
If you need more “sweet” advice, simply give your cosmetic dentist in Bristol VA a call today at (276) 466-2028! If you’re located closer to our Blountville location, then call (423) 217-1338 to schedule your visit or ask any questions or concerns.
