If you’re like most families, chances are Santa is going to slip some candy into your holiday stockings. And that’s OK! Occasional sweet treats won’t derail your dental health – especially if you see us regularly for cleanings and exams. That said, some candy is terrible for teeth while others aren’t so bad. Let us help you make the right candy choices!
And remember, no matter what kind of candy you eat, it’s important to brush and floss daily. You may also want to consider preventive services like fluoride and dental sealants. They can help keep your family members’ teeth free of decay. Call us at one of our Athens, GA locations to schedule your appointments.
In the meantime, check out our list of naughty candies and ones that are nicer too:
- Say No to Sticky Stuff – Sticky treats like marshmallows, caramels, and candy canes can do a number on your smile. They get in between teeth and into other hidden places. Then they cling stubbornly to your tooth enamel. This makes them tough to remove and more likely to cause cavities.
- Sour Candies Are the Worst – Even worse than sticky treats are those that contain lots of sugars and acids. The acids actually eat into your enamel. Avoid any kind of candy with sour in the name, like Sour Patch Kids and sour gummies.
- Limit Time on Treats – The amount of time that sugar remains on your teeth is even more important than the amount of sugar you consume. So time-consuming treats like suckers and Jolly Ranchers are a bad idea. Similarly, it’s better to quickly finish a soda instead of sipping on it over hours.
- Chocolate Is a Good Choice – Chocolate is a tooth-friendly treat. It melts easily and washes away from your teeth. So it doesn’t have as much time to do damage as the non-nos on this list. If you choose dark chocolate or chocolate with nuts, you’ll even enjoy some added health benefits.
- Sugar-Free Is Fine Too – Sugar-free candies and gum are both good choices. Sucking on candy and chewing gum both get your saliva flowing. The saliva helps removes problematic substances from teeth. You can choose products that contain xylitol for an even bigger cavity-fighting boost.
Visit McRae Family Dental online or schedule an appointment by calling one of our offices:
- Baxter Street – 706-480-9410
- Trail Creek – 706-430-3191
- Epps Bridge – 706-430-3102
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