Do you have a sweet tooth? At times, we all do! And with Halloween approaching and an abundance of candy available at every store this time of year, it’s important to look at the effects that candy has on your teeth.
And while it’s okay to indulge here and there, you can do so safely and in a way that reduces harm to your teeth. Read on for more on this.
Candy and sugar – what they mean for your teeth
Though it may be a bummer, candy can, in fact, cause tooth decay. Sugar, in particular, of which nearly all candies contain, can cause bacteria to breed in your mouth and even strip your tooth enamel.
Worse than that, if you fail to floss and brush, that sugar can become plaque, which can turn into tartar and further harm the teeth. This can cause cavities to develop. When untreated, cavities can cause tooth infections and even result in tooth loss.
That being said, there are ways to enjoy candy responsibly.
Candies that are the worst for your oral health are those that are sticky, such as caramels, taffy and gummy candies. These tend to get stuck in the teeth and are not easily broken down by saliva. Not to mention, sticky candies can attach to fillings and even pull them out.
On the other hand, hard candies that reside in the mouth for long periods allow bacteria to more easily release and wear away at tooth enamel.
If you do eat these candies, be sure to rinse your mouth with water right after followed by brushing and flossing.
If you want to make a smarter sweet choice, choose sugar-free candy and gum, or even dark chocolate, which contains less sugar than milk chocolate and has other health benefits.
We aren’t saying don’t treat yourself, just do so with a focus on your oral health!
Birmingham, MI dentist
If you want to experience the height of dentistry, combined with excellent service…Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is your place! With over 20 years serving the metro Detroit area, Dr. Mitchell Milan leads a team of talented experts at his southeast Michigan dentist office.
As leaders in preventative, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, we can transform nearly any smile and address nearly any dental issue. Not only do we work to make your mouth aesthetically appealing, but we also focus on the health and wellness of your teeth and gums.
Further, we arm you with the tools and information you need to maintain excellent oral health – both in and out of the dentist office.
We welcome a call to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving you!