Appointment Request
If you have a sweet tooth, Halloween might be your favorite time of the year. There are plenty of sweet treats to satisfy your sugar cravings, but giving in to your sweet tooth can lead to spooky news the next time you visit your dentist. Although cookies, candy, and other sweet goodies are tasty, they can cause irreversible damage to your smile. Here are a few simple tips to safeguard your dental health from your sweet tooth.
Not All Candy is Equal
Not all candy is the same in the eyes of your dentist. Believe it or not, some types of candy are worse than others. Here’s what you need to know before reaching into the candy dish:
- Hard Candy: You must hold hard candy in your mouth to allow it to dissolve. This bathes your teeth in sugary residue for a prolonged time. As it sits on your teeth, it will slowly soften and erode your enamel. Once your enamel is gone, it will not grow back. Crunching hard candy is no better. It can easily lead to a broken or fractured tooth. You don’t want to spend Halloween at an emergency dentist.
- Sour Candy: Sour candy is a double bad whammy for your smile. It is often sticky, which means it can cling to your teeth, making it difficult to remove. The added sugar used for its sour taste increases the acidity of the residue it creates. This can cause it to damage your enamel more quickly because it can be challenging to clean it from tight places, like the crevices of your molars.
- Sticky Candy: Sticky candy can cling to everything, including your teeth. Brushing and flossing can help remove sticky residue, but there may still be traces of it you cannot see, like between teeth. It can take many hours for it to dissolve, giving it time to wreak havoc on your enamel.
- Chocolate: If you’re going to choose a piece of candy, it’s best to pick chocolate. It rinses from your mouth more easily, so it’s less likely to harm your dental health. However, avoid anything with nuts, taffy, or caramel.
If you give in to your sweet tooth, limit yourself to one or two pieces of candy. Brush and floss your teeth after you finish. If you can’t get to your toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water or chew a piece of sugarless gum to help cleanse your teeth. With a little self-control and good oral hygiene, you can ensure Halloween does not come back to haunt your smile.
About Dr. Rob Wood
Dr. Wood earned his dental degree from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and has continued his education to become a board-certified periodontist. He uses the latest advancements in dentistry to create healthy, beautiful smiles. Dr. Wood is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (801) 609-3343.