Why Candy is Bad for Your Teeth
We all know that candy is bad for our teeth. Our parents told us, the media tells us, Dr. Euse and our hygienists tell us, but most of the time we just don’t listen. How could we when it tastes so good? Along with being the Halloween season, this month is also National Dental Hygiene Month and Dr. Euse hopes to educate Carson City residents about ways to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
I’m not going to stop eating candy!
This post is not to tell you to stop eating candy altogether, but rather to educate you on what it does to your teeth and help you choose the right kinds. Easter is the second largest candy-buying season of the year in America, just following Halloween in the amount of money we spend on sugary treats.
Every March, dental professionals across the country seek to promote the importance of dental hygiene and the connection between a healthy, balanced diet and good oral health. There are several preventative measures that can be taken to ensure this Easter season will help minimize the risk of tooth decay or damage.
Frequently eating chocolates, candy, and other sweets can create an ideal environment for decay-causing bacteria, which contributes to toothaches, sensitivity, and cavities. This also leads to plaque, a sticky substance made of bacteria that thrive on sugars and carbohydrates and produce harmful acid that attack your teeth. This attack by bacterial acid, lasting 20 minutes or more, can lead to a loss of tooth mineral and, eventually, to cavities, the American Dental Association explains.
What candy should I eat?
Candy that is sticky or hard tends to remain in the mouth for a longer period of time and can be more harmful than softer candy, like chocolate, which washes away easier with saliva. Choosing treats that are sugar free is one way to help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria your mouth is fighting. Hard, sticky candy can also wreak havoc on your dental work, including orthodontics, bridges, and crowns, and you should always exercise caution in those cases.
If you have any questions about candy or any other dental hygiene issue, always feel free to call us or send us an email. And don’t forget to follow Advanced Dentistry by Design on Facebook (Click the button on the right to find our page)!