Halloween is only a couple days away and candy is flying off supermarket shelves. Candy consumption is unavoidable at this time of year but a recent article released by the Academy of General Dentistry alerts parents to the good and bad candy options
Worst:
- Sticky or Chewy Sweets: Examples are gummy candy, taffy, even dried fruit. These types of candies get stuck in the hard to clean crevices between teeth. It is nearly impossible for saliva to wash them away and toothbrushes might miss them.
- Sour Candies: These types can be highly acidic which breaks down tooth enamel. Saliva can restore the mouth back to it's natural acidity but it is recommended to wait 30 minutes before brushing teeth. Brushing can force the acid onto the tooth surfaces, causing more erosion
- Sugary Snacks: Examples include candy corn, cake, cookies. These include high amounts of sugar which factors into tooth decay
Best:
- Sugar-free Lollipops and Hard Candies: These candies stimulate the creation of saliva which helps prevent dry mouth and plaque build up.
- Sugar-free Gum: Prevents tooth decay by dislodging particles between teeth and increasing saliva production
- Dark Chocolate: According to some studies, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that are good for the heart and may lower blood pressure
As always, children's candy intake should be monitored all year to promote good oral health habits. Kids should also brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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