The Worst Candy for Teeth
The reason that candy is so bad for your teeth is because of the high sugar content. Sugar feeds bacteria and allows it to grow and flourish in your mouth. Some candy types can also include ingredients that make it adhere even more to your teeth, causing plaque buildup and tooth decay. These are some of the most detrimental types of candy for your dental health...
Hard Candies
Some people like to savor hard candy for long amounts of time, while other people like to bite into them and crunch through the piece of candy. Both of these options are not good for your teeth. If you like to savor your hard candy, the candy is in contact with your teeth much longer than other types of candy. Biting through hard candy is also bad because the hard candy can damage your teeth, causing chips, cracks, and enamel issues.
Sour Candy
This kind of candy is highly acidic. The acid content in sour candy is what give it the very sour flavor people love. But, too much acid is really bad for your teeth. Acid can cause enamel erosion, making your teeth more prone to tooth decay and gum inflammation.
Gummy Candy & Taffy
This kind of candy tends to stick to and in between your teeth. If gummy candy and taffy gets stuck between your teeth, the sugar stays there and continuously causes damage to your teeth and their enamel. Because it's SO sticky, you need to be sure to floss and brush thoroughly after consuming this kind of candy. One important thing to be aware of - if the gummy or taffy candy you're eating has a high acid content, you need to wait a while before brushing your teeth. Otherwise you'll be scrubbing your teeth with the left-behind acid from the candy, causing more serious enamel erosion.
Candy That Causes Less Damage
If you're going to eat candy (who doesn't want to around Halloween?!), then there are a few kinds that are not as bad for your teeth. When you choose candy, try aiming for these kinds instead...
Sugar-Free Candy
Clearly, sugar is the most damaging part of candy. That's why choosing sugar-free candy is the best option if you're going to enjoy candy. Without the damaging, bacteria-feeding sugar, the candy will be less damaging.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is an American favorite, so this is great news! Dark chocolate has actually been shown to contain antioxidants, which are good for promoting your health and fighting aging. Dark chocolate also doesn't have as much sugar as milk chocolate, so it's even better for your teeth.
Visit the Dentist
If you tend to have a sweet tooth and like enjoying candy a little more than you should, then you definitely don't want to skip your dental hygiene habits and dentist appointments. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water, and keeping your dental appointments every 6 months as recommended. Give Access Dental and Dentures a call to schedule your next appointment - we can't wait to help you enjoy a healthier life!
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