Christmas is just around the corner, and the children are probably getting more excited by the day! Aside from gifts, they are also looking forward to all those holiday treats like candies! Curious about the best and worst candy for your teeth? Read on to learn more.
Candy and Teeth
We all know that too much sugar is not good for our teeth and our health. We naturally have bacteria present inside our mouth or living on our bodies. While they may be harmless in normal conditions, they like to munch on sweets like candies and leftover food particles, producing an enamel-weakening acid. Among the worst effects of candy on teeth are cavities and tooth enamel damage.
Of course, certain candies are worse than others. When it comes to special occasions like Christmas, it’s alright to let them indulge in a few treats, but choose what to give them wisely.
Hard Candies
Anything that your kid needs to suck on can be harmful to his or her teeth. Hard candies are not easily dissolved unless they chew them. As they suck hard candies longer, more sugar will mix with their saliva and coat every surface of their teeth and mouth.
Also, hard candies have the added risk of chipping or breaking your child’s teeth. Aside from pain, this may also prompt a quick visit to a dentist. If possible, try to avoid hard candies this coming holiday season.
Sticky Candies
These types of candy are probably the worst. They stick to every surface, making it difficult to clean. The longer they stay on your child’s tooth enamel, the more damage they can do.
Sour Candy
Aside from being sweet and sticky, they are also acidic. Giving your child sour candies increases the risk of enamel damage and cavities.
Chocolate
When talking about the best and worst candy for your teeth, chocolate will always be on the list. In fact, this is the best treat you can offer to kids this holiday season! Why? It’s easier for saliva to clean chocolate off your child’s teeth. It won’t sit long enough on surfaces to cause cavities or any damage.
Shop for dark chocolates! They have less sugar in them compared to others.
Since candies will always be part of the Christmas celebration for kids, it is best to learn some tips on how to prevent the damaging effects of candy on teeth.
What to Do
Brush their teeth regularly
Your child should be cleaning his or her teeth and tongue at least twice daily. Keeping up with this routine will remove any leftover candy or food particles from his or her mouth and keep bacteria from forming acids. Children should also be flossing. This will help clean hard to reach areas or remove any dirt trapped in between teeth.
It is best to check their brushing habits to make sure they are doing it the right way. Ideally, kids should be brushing for at least 2 minutes every time. You have to make sure that they are able to clean the back of their teeth and the inside edges, which are nearer to the tongue.
Aside from following a strict schedule, you also want to make sure that they are eating candies after a meal. The mouth will have more saliva at this time, which will help get the sugar and other food particles off the teeth’s surfaces faster.
Have them drink more water
Another way to minimize the damaging effects of candy on teeth is to make sure your kids drink more water. Limiting soda consumption and other sugary drinks will also help.
Visit a dentist regularly
Nothing beats professional checkups and cleanings. This is the best way to keep your child’s teeth and mouth healthy. Ideally, your kids should go in every 6 months, but if they experience discomfort or if there are any signs of cavity or tooth damage, then getting them into the best holistic dentist in Durango, CO is the best course of action. At Sunrise Dentistry, we treat patients of all ages. Call us for an appointment. We can’t wait to see you!
