We will let you in on a spooky secret…. Dentists eat candy too! However, not all sugar is created equally. We’ve put together a trick-or-treat list for you on the sweet stuff this Halloween!
Treats:
Dark chocolate
Yum. Dark chocolate is by far the best candy option! We love this indulgent treat for many reasons. It has less sugar than other chocolates and candies, but recent studies suggest there is a compound in cocoa that can actually fight plaque and help harden tooth enamel. Now that is sweet….
Candy bars with nuts
Nuts can break up the stickiness in your candy that can sometimes cause cavities. Nuts are also a great source of protein and fiber.
Sugar-free
Sugar-free gum and candies are good alternatives to regular sugary options. Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, so sugar-free disrupts that systems. Sugar-free gum has also been proven to help prevent cavities.
Tricks:
Sticky candies
The stickier the candy, the worse! Sticky candy sticks to your teeth and can cause enamel to break down and increase the chance of cavities. Gummies, taffy, carmels, and even dried fruit fall into this category.
Sour candies
Acid in sour candy can be very damaging to your teeth. That acid can break down your enamel causing cavities and yellow teeth.
Hard candies
Hard candies, including lollipops, are just a continued stream of sugar to your teeth! This amount of sugar over the amount of time it takes to dissolve can break down your enamel over time.
We know from personal experience, a sweet tooth can be very stubborn! If you fall victim to some tricks listed above this Halloween, we’ve got a few tips to lessen the damage.
Timing
Eat your Halloween candy with your meals. Saliva production is increased that helps clean your mouth which makes candy particles and acid have a more difficult time sticking to your teeth.
Water
Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. This will help combat your Halloween candy damage.
Brush
It is important to brush your teeth, especially after eating sugary Halloween candy. However, you should wait 30 minutes after eating. Brushing your teeth immediately can spread acid from candy onto more teeth.
Dentist
Don’t forget to visit your dentist! Regular visits to the dentist can prevent problems and help with good oral health. Let a healthy mouth be your Halloween treat this year! Call us today for an appointment, or you can schedule online.
