We all know how damaging foods high in sugar can be to our enamel, but what about candy and your teeth? What kinds of candy are healthier? What kinds of candy are more harmful? How can you indulge in your sweet tooth and avoid feeling guilty about what you choose?
Avoid Sticky Sweet Treats
The sticky sweet that make these treats delicious are also what make them more likely to cause cavities. The more they stick to your teeth, the more of a feast the cavity causing bacteria in your mouth will have, producing more plaque, and increasing your risk for decay. Avoid the stickiest of treats if you can, and reach for something a little less cavity friendly.
The World of Chocolate
Chocolate is a healthier choice if you’re looking for something sweet. The darker the better, as the lower sugar content can work in your favor. Another thing about chocolate? It melts at warmer temperatures, reducing the amount left on your teeth over a long period of time. Another tasty treat that is tooth friendly are almonds, which are a match made in heaven with chocolate. Enjoy something sweet without a side of guilt, and enjoy a square or two of rich delicious chocolate instead.
Oral Hygiene After Candy
It is important to give your teeth some breathing room after eating high sugar items, or items that have high acid content, like citrus or strawberries. These things can soften your enamel, so giving your teeth some time to recover from the impact of sugar and acid can help avoid extra wear and tear on your enamel. It seems intuitive to brush your teeth directly after eating items most likely to cause tooth decay, but brushing while the enamel is softened can increase the wear on your teeth by a small amount. If the only time you can brush is right after eating those items, better to brush right then, than to let those sugars and acids sit on your teeth all day or night.
Call our Pacific dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.