Candy and Your Smile

October is the perfect time to discuss the effects of candy on your smile. This is the month that many neighborhoods are swarmed with costumes and countless bags of sticky, savory and highly-sugared treats. However, before you or your kids indulge in that candy loot, you should consider the consequence that it can have on your teeth.

We all know that candy contains high amounts of sugar. Unfortunately, that sugar begins its work the second it touches your teeth. The sucralose immediately latches onto your saliva, your teeth and any bacteria lingering in your mouth. Sucralose helps form a complex protein compound called glycoprotein. When Streptococcus mutans (bacteria) combine with these sugar compounds, they start producing harmful acids that can dissolve your tooth enamel. Therefore, not only is the sugar immediately triggering plaque formation, but they are also helping the process of enamel erosion, which ultimately leads to decay.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Smile?

As your trusted dentist, we must be realistic, and we certainly don’t want to bust your Halloween fun. Therefore, go ahead and enjoy that special savory treat – but follow a few tips to defend your smile health in the process:

• Choose wisely – avoid hard, sticky and chewy candies and opt for chocolates or those that dissolve more easily in your mouth.
• Rinse with water – if you can’t brush your teeth right away, at least have some water nearby to sip on after you consume your tasty treats.
• Don’t graze – it is actually better for your teeth if you eat your candy all at once instead of nibbling on it throughout the day (or week).

To ensure your tasty indulgences haven’t already compromised your dental health, schedule a checkup and cleaning at Marietta Dental Professionals. We love helping you care for your smile – even during this sugar-laden October holiday.