Candy and Your Teeth

It’s that time of the year; cider, caramel apples, and candy seem to find their way into our diets. While they are a wonderful treat, be thoughtful about what you eat so that you don’t end up on the wrong side of a trick!

Sugary and sticky items can lead to tooth decay. Things like caramel and gummy treats are especially problematic as they tend to get into crevices and between teeth where saliva cannot easily wash it away. Sticky items like caramel or toffee can cause crowns to become uncemented.

Sour candies are especially appealing for children and teens, but these can cause significant enamel erosion. According to testing done by the Minnesota Dental Association, the pH of some of the sour candies approaches the level of battery acid! Erosion of the enamel leads to decay. If you or your child eats these acidic items, be sure to have them rinse afterward with water. Do not brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes, because otherwise, you will be rubbing the acid onto more tooth surfaces.

So which candy creates less of an issue? Hard sugarless candies or lollipops actually increase saliva production. A dry mouth allows plaque to build up faster, so increasing saliva production helps to prevent plaque buildup. Sugarless gum works the same way but also helps to dislodge food particles in the teeth.

The best time to eat these sugary treats is with other food. Then rinse with water. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, and floss once a day to keep your mouth from looking spooky!