Everyone knows that eating too much candy can hurt your teeth. But how much candy is too much? Is candy really that bad for your teeth?
What Can Candy Do to Your Teeth?
There is a lot of sugar in candy, which can feed the bugs in your mouth. Acids are made when bacteria break down sugars. These acids wear away at your tooth enamel. Tooth decay, cavities, and other oral problems are more likely to happen because of this.
Candy can also make you feel bad in different ways, mostly by making you feel hard or chewy. Chewy candy can damage crowns and fillings in your teeth. If you have TMJ or another problem with your jaw, hard candy can also hurt your teeth and strain your jaw. Hard sweets, on the other hand, can damage your teeth or put too much stress on them. There is a lot of acid in sour sweets, which can hurt your teeth, irritate your gums, and even cause canker sores.
Are there sweets that are good for your teeth?
When it comes to sugary foods, balance is key, just like with everything else. Candy that doesn’t have much sugar or none at all is better for your teeth. Don’t eat candy that is too chewy or sticky, and be careful not to bite into hard sweets. If you want to keep your teeth healthy, brush them after eating sugary foods. This will stop bugs from breaking down the sugars.
When I eat candy, what if I break a tooth?
If you chip a tooth while eating candy, you need to see a dentist right away to protect your teeth. Your dentist will be able to look at the damage the candy did and decide how to best treat your chipped tooth. A filling or veneer can often help fix your tooth and keep it from getting worse. In the worst situations, you might need a dental crown to smooth out a tooth that isn’t smooth enough or a full tooth extraction if the tooth is completely broken.
Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry wants to help you take care of your teeth. We’re excited to hear from you!