Is Candy Really Bad For My Teeth?

How Does Candy Cause Cavities?

Have you ever wondered how sugar rots your teeth? Most of us know that consuming too much sugar and candy can result in tooth decay and cavities but we may not know how it happens. A whole chain of events occurs when you consume your sugary treat. When you consume sugar, it immediately begins to interact with the plaque bacteria in your mouth causing an acid to form. The acid then begins to dissolve your enamel slowly, creating cavities in your teeth, thereby making the acid the culprit for tooth decay. 

What Candies Are The Worst For Oral Health?
Sticky, chewy candy such as taffy, caramel, and certain gummies can adhere between your teeth where saliva cannot easily break it down. The sugar in the candy and the plaque between your teeth cause acid production and this acid will eat away at your enamel. This is why flossing is so important as well. Flossing allows you to get in between the small spaces of your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach to remove any food or bacteria that can be harmful to your oral health. Hard candy such as jawbreakers can also cause severe damage to your teeth. Accidentally chewing too hard on the candy can cause your teeth to chip, jaw pain, and even tooth loss. Lastly, try your best to avoid sour candies as they contain enamel-eating acid within them.

How Can I Minimize The Impact Candy Has On My Teeth?
Drink Water: If you like chewing on candy or indulging in a candy bar here and there, make sure you have some water handy to rinse your mouth out afterward. Swishing water around your mouth will help to get rid of the sugar particles in your mouth and prevent them from sticking to the plaque on your teeth. 
Eat Candy With Meals: When you are eating a big meal, your saliva production increases. Saliva cancels out the acidity in your mouth to prevent the sugar particles from binding to the plaque in your teeth as well as helps to wash away food particles in your mouth. 
Brush Your Teeth Regularly: By brushing your teeth at least 2-3 times per day, you will remove more enamel-eating bacteria from your mouth. However, do not brush your teeth directly after eating acidic candies or drinking an acidic beverage. Brushing directly after consuming these items will actually cause more damage to your enamel than waiting to brush your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth out with water after eating your candy and then wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth.

Visit Dr. Korol For Your Next Dental Exam In Calgary

Although candy is not great for your teeth and oral health, that does not mean that you have to stop eating it entirely. We all crave sweets from time to time, but to protect your oral health as well as your overall health, it is important that it does not become a regular habit. By making sure to avoid certain candies as well as brushing and flossing regularly, you will be less at risk of developing cavities, tooth decay, and other potential oral health issues. 

If you are in need of a dental cleaning and dental exam, book an appointment with Dr. Korol today by calling 1-403-245-9099, or by filling out our online contact form. Our dental office is a leading holistic and biocompatible dentistry practice in Calgary that offers dental services such as cleanings, teeth whitening, Invisalign® treatments, and more. Book your appointment for advice from Calgary’s leading holistic dentist, Dr. Korol. 

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