Many kids wake up on Easter Sunday to discover baskets full of candy and other goodies waiting for them. While this can be a lovely way for children to celebrate new life and the season of spring, neglecting to take the proper precautions when enjoying sweets can set them up for tooth decay and painful dental emergencies. Here’s a quick look at the worst and best candies for your child’s oral health as well as a few tips for helping your child keep their smile in great shape.
What Candies Are Especially Bad for My Child’s Oral Health?
Candies that are sticky, hard, or high in sugar or acid can be harmful to your little one’s teeth. A few items to stay away from include:
- Sour candy: These items are typically high in sugar and coated with an acidic powder that can be incredibly harsh on enamel.
- Caramel and jellybeans: Sticky, chewy candy has a way of getting stuck between the teeth or in the pits of the molars. This allows harmful oral bacteria to feed on them and multiply rapidly.
- Hard candy: Chomping down on hard candy like jawbreakers, fruity lozenges, or butterscotch disks can damage a child’s enamel.
What Candies Are Relatively Safe for My Child’s Teeth?
Luckily, there are a few sweets out there that can help minimize the risk of dental damage or even provide oral health benefits. These include:
- Dark chocolate: This is high in antioxidants and low in sugar, and it may even help rub plaque away from your child’s enamel during the chewing process.
- Sugar-free gum: Chewing this after meals and snacks can help prevent cavities by loosening plaque and food debris.
- Raisins: These dried grapes contain the highest natural concentration of fluoride found in any food.
How Can My Child Keep Their Teeth Healthy?
In any case, your child will need to develop excellent oral care habits to keep their smile healthy for life. These include:
- Brushing and flossing every day.
- Drinking plenty of water while and after enjoying sweets.
- Seeing their dentist at least twice a year for checkups
- Wearing an athletic mouthguard when playing sports or riding a bike.
Don’t let your child’s smile be damaged by the harmful agents found in many popular candies. Helping your kid learn about smart eating decisions can set them up for a lifetime of excellent oral and overall health.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele offers the finest oral healthcare to children in Coppell and its surrounding areas. She earned her dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Her office provides preventive, restorative, and emergency pediatric dental care. To schedule your child’s next checkup, contact her office online or dial (972) 315-3355.