Tips from Your Houston Dental Hygienist: Candy and Your Teeth
Posted on March 27th, 2014
Dr. Dassani is not the type of dentist that will tell Houston residents they can’t ever eat candy. In fact, none of us at Dassani Dentistry will tell you that, because we all love candy. Everyone loves candy! However, we also love teeth, and you can’t eat any more candy if your teeth fall out. The best way to keep your mouth healthy and still get your candy fix is to eat the right kind of candy in moderation, and maintain a stellar oral hygiene routine. Your Houston dental hygienist will tell you how.
Not All Candies are Created Equal
For every different brand of sweet deliciousness, there are plenty of candy lovers that support their favorite treat. Whether it be M&M’s™, Twix™, Starburst™, Laffy Taffy™, or any of the others, we all have a special candy that is too good to share.
Unfortunately, the candies that make your teeth happy might not be the same ones your stomach craves. Soft and/or sugar free candy does the least harm to your teeth.
Why Candy is Bad for Your Teeth
You’ve probably heard all your life that candy is bad for your teeth, but have you ever wondered what it is that makes it so bad? Dr. Dassani and your dental hygienist break it down below:
1) Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. Bacteria are the root cause of nearly every dental problem and they thrive on the abundance of sugar that candy provides.
2) Consistency. Candy comes in all shapes and sizes, but because of the common ingredients, candy sticks to your teeth, allowing more plaque to form in more vulnerable areas.
3) Deliciousness. Candy is designed to override our better judgment and be so irresistible that we eat way too much of it. And it works!
The American Dental Association gives us a more in-depth explanation. When bacteria are left unchecked, they form the sticky, filmy substance we know as plaque. As the plaque sits on your teeth it produces a harmful acid that eats away at them, destroying tooth mineral. Once enough damage has been done, the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised and a cavity forms. Eating too much candy speeds this process up and paves the way for more damage.
What is the best candy for my teeth?
Candy that is easily chewed and swallowed is best for your teeth. Hard, sticky candies stick around longer, do more harm, and can disrupt your dental work. Nothing makes Dr. Dassani sadder than hearing that a Laffy Taffy™ destroyed a Houston resident’s crowns. Pick soft candy or chocolates that can be easily washed away with water.
Do you have questions? Do you want us to approve your favorite candy? Feel free to give us at Dassani Dentistry a call!
About Meghna Dassani, DMD
Dr. Meghna Dassani received her initial dental training from the University of Mumbai, India, where she graduated in 1996 as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). After working as an associate for one year, she established her own practice in Mumbai, India. She successfully operated this practice for six years prior to moving to the US. When Dr. Meghna Dassani is not in the office she is at home being a mommy to her 2 beautiful girls and enjoying time relaxing with her husband. Since opening her own practice in 2011 she doesn’t have a lot of free time but when the time allows she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, visiting with friends and family and of course SHOPPING with a Starbucks in her hand!
