New Patients Welcome!
The holidays are right around the corner, which means stockings and candy gifts for most children. Some candy impacts your dental health worse than others, but what kind of candy should you and your children be trying to avoid? Our family dentist in West Palm Beach breaks down the dangers below!
Hard Candies
Hard candies are supposed to be sucked on, but this leaves them in the mouth for an extended period. This time allows the sugars in the candy to sit near the teeth for a long time, giving the sugar plenty of time to start breaking down the enamel. Pair that with the fact that some children try to chew on hard candies, and you’ll find that there is a good chance your child may break their teeth as well.
Sour Candies
Sour candies are loaded with citric acid to make them sour, but this acid is incredibly bad for your teeth! Once you chew sour candies, the citric acid clings to your teeth, and much like sugar, it breaks your teeth down, causing decay and damage.
Sticky Candies
Clinging to your teeth like you wouldn’t believe, sticky candies are pretty challenging to get off of your teeth. These candies cling to the nooks and crannies in your teeth and hang on until you brush your teeth next, leaving the sugar in those candies plenty of time to cause decay and damage.
The holiday season is a candy wonderland, and let’s face it, resisting those sweet temptations can be quite a challenge. Here, we’ve compiled a handy list of treats to watch out for to help your family maintain those healthy smiles. If you ever wonder about the impact of holiday sweets on your teeth, don’t hesitate to bring it up during your next visit with our friendly family dentist in West Palm Beach. Visit our office or call us at (561) 816-5970, and our wonderful front desk team will gladly assist you.
Sweet Tooth, Strong Teeth: Top Tips for Candy Lovers
Indulging in candies doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your dental health. Here are some savvy strategies to satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping your pearly whites in top shape.
Choose Wisely: Opt for candies that melt or dissolve quickly, reducing their contact with teeth. Hard candies and lollipops tend to linger longer, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Sugar-Free Sweets: Pick sugar-free alternatives whenever possible to minimize the sugar load on your teeth. These candies are kinder to your smile and just as delicious.
Timing Matters: Enjoy candies as part of a meal rather than as standalone snacks. Increased saliva production during meals helps wash away sugar and acids more effectively.
Rinse and Chew: After indulging, rinse your mouth with water to remove lingering sugar. Chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production, aiding in the neutralization of acids.
Hydration Is Key: Staying hydrated helps maintain a healthy mouth. Water is your best friend when it comes to rinsing away sugar particles and keeping your gums happy.
Regular Check-Ups:
Don’t skip those routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can catch and address any issues early, keeping your smile radiant.
By following these tips, you can relish your favorite candies guilt-free, knowing you’re taking steps to protect your teeth.
By following these tips, you can relish your favorite candies guilt-free, knowing you’re taking steps to protect your teeth.
Source: Teeth Talk Girl
The holiday season is a candy wonderland, and let’s face it, resisting those sweet temptations can be quite a challenge. Here, we’ve compiled a handy list of treats to watch out for to help your family maintain those healthy smiles. If you ever wonder about the impact of holiday sweets on your teeth, don’t hesitate to bring it up during your next visit with our friendly family dentist in West Palm Beach. Visit our office or call us at (561) 816-5970, and our wonderful front desk team will gladly assist you.
