How To Protect Your Teeth During the Holiday Season with Monarch Family Dentistry of Westminster
The holidays are known for presents, family, tradition, and food — lots and lots of food — especially candy. Starting with Halloween, candy is a staple during the holiday season, ending with New Year’s Eve. Whether it’s the waxy candy corn for fall or peppermint candy canes for Christmas, your teeth are under attack by the sugary treats we love so much for the holidays.
Candy tastes amazing but damages your teeth. That’s when your dentist takes over and tries to fix the damage done by filling any cavities, or performing root canals or extractions. We’re going to explore what you can do to help your children enjoy the season while staying out of the dentist’s office.
How do Cavities Form?
Cavities are the most common type of tooth decay. They are permanently damaged areas that result in tiny holes on the tooth. Sugar is the main culprit in decay, and candy is packed full of sugar. Cavities aren’t created by sugar, but sugar creates the perfect condition in your mouth that cavities love. The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, but some bacteria are crucial in maintaining good oral health.
When you eat sugary candy, the harmful bacteria feeds off of the sugar which creates acid that can erode tooth enamel. If a cavity is left untreated, it only gets worse and worse. You can’t reverse the erosion of tooth decay, but dentists have preventative measures that can fill the cavity and stop the decay.
What Candy is the Worst for Teeth?
If you ask a dentist which candy is the worst, they will say “All of it!” However, there are some types of candies that are worse than others. Chewy candy is No. 1 on the list, and that includes gummies, taffy, and hard, sticky candy.
The main reason that chewy, sticky candy is the worst is that the candy can get stuck between the teeth, and saliva can’t reach it to break it down. The candy stays between the teeth, causing decay. Hard, sticky candy like Jolly Ranchers and chewy candy Skittles are two of the worst candies because the highly-acidic nature of the candy breaks down tooth enamel on its own.
Kids and adults are going to eat candy. That’s just a fact of life. However, not all candy is bad for you, and there are ways to minimize its impact on your teeth.
How Can You Help Prevent Tooth Decay While Eating Candy?
We know that people are going to eat candy, but there are some ways to slow down or neutralize the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Here are some suggestions for keeping teeth healthy during the holiday season.
Brush Your Teeth: Dentists repeat this phrase ad nauseum because it’s so important. By brushing your teeth immediately after eating any food or candy, you brush away enamel-eating bacteria. But there are limitations. When you eat acidic candy, brushing after is more damaging to tooth enamel than not brushing. So, be careful when you brush your teeth after eating candy. Make sure you don’t eat any acidic candy before brushing.
Eat Candy With Meals: When candy is eaten after or during a meal, it’s best for oral health. When eating a meal, saliva production increases which eliminates acids while washing away food particles.
Drink Water With Candy: Water can be an equalizer. When drinking water after eating candy, you can minimize some of the harmful effects of sugar, and it can help prevent tooth decay. If your children can’t brush their teeth after eating candy, have them swish water in their mouths to break loose any food particles, minimizing the potential damage from the bacteria.
Dental Check-Up: Never skip out on or put off a dental checkup. Make sure you schedule an appointment for your next cleaning and keep that appointment. Scheduling an appointment with Monarch Family Dental of Westminster is easy. Call us at 303-920-4900 or email us at office@MonarchFamilyDental.com. We are located at 905 W. 124th Ave. Suite 130, Westminster, CO., 80234.
