How Does Candy Damage Your Teeth?

Your kids may be looking forward to all of the Halloween festivities that are quickly approaching, but your dentist is not excited about all the sugar intake many people around the country are about to experience. While avoiding candy all together can be a difficult feat for many, your trusted dentist in Springfield, Missouri wants you to be aware of the damaging effects candy can have on your teeth. More details on how candy damages your teeth is provided below by Access Dental and Dentures.

How Sugar Reacts Inside Mouth-

As you eat food with a high level of sugar, like candy, the bacteria in your mouth feeds on the sugar that you intake. Once this bacteria feeds of sugar, it breaks down into acids that eat away at the enamel protecting your tooth. The longer sugar is in the mouth, the more the bacteria breaks down and can eat away at the tooth enamel. Crevices in the tooth that hold sticky, sugary candy are usually the most prone to having an issue caused by the bacteria eroding the protective layer on the teeth.

How to Deal with a Cavity-

If you do have an issue arise from the bacteria breaking down your tooth enamel, a cavity, or hole in the tooth may occur. If you do experience a cavity, visit a dental professional as soon as possible. At this point, a professional will be able to fill in the cavity, helping to prevent further damage to the tooth.

How To Prevent Tooth Damage-

There are a number of ways to help prevent damage to the tooth. First off, regulate the amount of sugary foods you intake, especially around the Halloween holiday. Along with watching your sugar intake, consider substituting candy for a sugar-free option. Drinking plenty of water can help wash away some of the sugar, and therefore bacteria build up, which causes damage to teeth. Ensure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, to keep your teeth clear of damaging bacteria that can eat away at the protective enamel covering your teeth. A regular dental visit should be scheduled every six months to ensure no new tooth damage has occurred, and if there is an issue, it can quickly be addressed.

Now that you know more about how the sugar in candy effects the teeth, you can better prepare for the sugar overload that you may experience this Halloween. To help protect your teeth, practice a good oral hygiene habits on a regular basis. The best dentist in Osage Beach, MO is here to help you and your kids regulate your sugar intake, as Halloween approaches. Give Access Dental and Dentures a call at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment, if you do experience an issue with your teeth this holiday season. 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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Springfield Office                         Rolla Office                     Osage Beach Office
(417) 501-1048                              (573) 426-5447                  (573) 348-1466
1701 West Sunshine                      416 S. Bishop Ave.            4320 Osage Beach Parkway

Springfield, MO 65807                   Rolla, MO 65401               Osage Beach, MO. 65065