With Easter right around the corner, there’s no doubt kids are thinking of all the candy and treats they’ll be getting for the holiday. Many Americans celebrate the holiday in part by giving out Easter baskets and holding Easter egg hunts filled with chocolate, candy, and other sweets.

While traditions may hold strong and kids (and adults too!) will always love their sweet treats, all the candy they’ll be eating will take its toll on their teeth. While talking about oral health on Easter certainly isn’t the most fun topic, it’s a good idea to at least familiarize yourself with some basic information and to learn which treats are better and which you can stay away from to keep you and your kids happy and healthy at the same time.

What Does Candy Do to Your Teeth

When eating foods and snacks with a high sugar content, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and excrete an acidic substance as a result. This acidic substance contributes to the decay of the tooth enamel, buildup of plaque, and gum disease and cavities. The longer you expose your teeth to sugar, the more damage is done from the acidic secretions of the bacteria.

Quick Tips

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day when indulging in sweets. Water helps to neutralize the acids produced by the bacteria. Swishing the water around your mouth is an even better way to clean your mouth, as it can shake loose any bits that are stuck in between your teeth. Sugary food that is stuck in the mouth will cause acidic breakdown of the enamel until the food is removed.
• Try to exercise moderation in the amount of candy you eat. Having a few pieces here and there throughout the day will save your teeth a whole lot of damage than if you constantly indulge in sugary snacks all day.

Treats to Stay Away From

Here are a few types of treats that are particularly damaging to your oral health:

• Sticky or Gummy Candy – Any candy that has a tendency to stick to the teeth will do more damage as the pieces that get stuck continue to cause damage to the tooth until they are removed.
• Hard Candy – The more time you spend exposing teeth to sugars, the more damage will be done to the enamel, and the more likely you’ll get a cavity. Candies like lollipops and jawbreakers will cause more harm simply by being in the mouth for a longer time.
• Dried Fruit – One of the more surprising ones on this list, dried fruit, causes the sugars in the fruit to become very concentrated. Similarly to sticky candy, dried fruit can easily get caught in between your teeth and cause damage until you remove the particle of fruit.

Healthier Alternatives

Try some of these alternatives that you and your kids will still love:

• Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate that’s low in sugar has been shown to have teeth strengthening properties.
• Real Eggs – Want an alternative to candy that can be turned into a fun activity as well? Decorating hard-boiled eggs during Easter with natural dyes is a classic activity and doesn’t have the sugary content that candy does.
• Sugar Free Candy – Low sugar or sugar free candy can taste just as good but won’t have the same sugar content that is responsible for causing damage to teeth.

Looking for a dentist you can rely on? Allegiance Dental Associates delivers the kind of gentle, trusting care you want for your family. Contact us today to set up an appointment.