Candy is an iconic staple of childhood. Trick-or-treating, candy canes, Easter baskets, and the list continues. Also a great source of bribery or reward, candy can put a smile on any kid’s (or adult’s) face!
June is National Candy Month. Say what? An entire month dedicated to candy! Actually, National Candy Month is more about the confectionery industry and their contribution to national and local economies. According to candyusa.com, candy is a significant sector for retailers, representing $35 billion in retail sales. Nonetheless, you can still celebrate your favorite candy, but proceed with caution!
Let’s face it…Kids like candy, and all sources of sugar for that matter. Sweet treats ignite a rush of excitement and bouncing-off-the-walls sensation. Thank you, sugar high! To set the record straight, candy doesn’t actually cause tooth decay, but it instigates it. Your mouth is filled with bacteria, some good and some bad. When you consume candy, it allows harmful bacteria to feed off the sugar. That causes plaque to form and bacteria to produce acids that erode tooth enamel, creating holes (AKA cavities) in the teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of children ages 2 to 11 have had cavities in their baby teeth.
And the kids are wondering, can I still have my candy and eat it too? The good news is yes! There are ways to still indulge in your favorite sweet treats while keeping a healthy mouth. To minimize the risk of cavities from eating candy, make sure to drink plenty of water (swish the sugar away), eat it with a meal so other foods can keep candy from sticking to your teeth, and brush and floss your teeth shortly after eating candy.
Not all candy is created equally. The big offenders are sticky and chewy - taffy, gummies, licorice, and caramels. Sour candies are pretty bad too because of their acidity, which can strip away tooth enamel. Keep in mind that it’s not always about how much candy you eat during a sitting, but the frequency of sugar exposure. When you suck on lollipops and hard candies, you expose your mouth to sugar for longer periods of time.
Do your mouth a favor and choose more tooth-friendly candies. Go for dark chocolate (because of antioxidants and polyphenols, which neutralize bacteria and help fight decay), sugarless candy and gum (but beware of artificial sweeteners), and candy with nuts (nuts can reduce the stickiness, plus are a good source of fiber and protein). In addition to candy, some other sources of sugar that can set off the “cavity alarm” include: fruit juices, fruit snacks, starchy food like chips and cookies, and even healthy stuff like raisins and dried fruit.
Sugary foods are sweet but deceiving. Kids can still enjoy them as long as they eat them in moderation and practice good oral hygiene.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay
- Avoid bedtime bottles
- Brush 2x day for 2 minutes
- Drink lots of water
- Eat a healthy diet
- Floss every day
- Get fluoride treatments
- Invest in dental sealants
- Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings
If you would like to schedule a dental check-up for your child, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.