Let’s Talk Candy

Here’s the deal, candy isn’t so great for your dental health. No surprise there…you get it. What you might not know is that our dentists are human and enjoy indulging occasionally, just like you do. When you want to reach for a treat this Halloween (or anytime), keep these tasty recommendations in mind to protect your smile:

SAFE OPTIONS TO SAVOR:

Choose dark chocolate

Did you know that dark chocolate actually helps combat tooth decay? It does so thanks to the power of a compound that helps harden tooth enamel. Compounds in cocoa beans also have an antibacterial effect to fight plaque. Here at SLO Smiles, dark chocolate is the most popular treat!

Go sugarless

Sugarless gum and sugarless candies, such as candies with stevia or candies that diabetics consume. Sugar feeds bacteria and upsets the healthy ratios of pH and bacteria in the mouth, so a sugarless candy comes in as “second best” here. We’re still not a fan because whenever you see the sugarless label, the candy tends to have other bad chemicals in it that are detrimental to health in another way.

Don’t forget fresh fruit

Next time you’re craving candy, reach for the fruit bowl instead and you just might surprise yourself. Fresh fruit is sweet and satisfying. There’s an option out there for everyone from tart plums, yellow peaches, and crisp apples, to juicy berries and sweet bananas.

TOP 3 TYPES OF CANDY TO AVOID:

Say No the Sticky Stuff

From Tootsie Rolls to Jujubes, sticky candies have a high concentration of sugar and linger for longer, which increases the chance for developing cavities.

Skittles are a no-go

Tasting the rainbow is overrated for good reason – Skittles often get stuck in the grooves of your teeth! The exposure to sugar can actually weaken tooth enamel. This process is called decalcification. If left untreated, cavities can form. That’s no fun, so skip the Skittles!

Lose the lollipops

It takes time to finish a lollipop, and that frequency of exposure is seriously harmful to your teeth.

SLO Smiles Dentists Share Their Favorite Treats

• While Mark loved Milk Duds as a kid, he’s a fan of 85% dark chocolate today.
• Nick says, “Don’t eat candy, it’s bad for you!” but if he had to choose, it would be a Big Hunk.
• Craig is all about dark chocolate, while Ian doesn’t really have a sweet tooth! When he does want a treat, he reaches for sour candies like Sour Patch Kids.
• Sienella agrees that Sour Patch Kids are tasty, along with chocolate…on just about anything.

When you’re in need of friendly dental care, call us at (805) 541-0550. We’re happy to accept new patients!

P.S. Did you know the average American eats over 3 pounds of candy on Halloween? That’s a lot of sugar AND crown breakers. When we say “crown breakers” that means candy known to break dental crowns like sticky taffy and very chewy candy.