Dentist - Is Candy Really That Bad For Your Teeth?

Your dentist has probably warned you about the dangers of consuming too many sugary products, but has he explained the exact reasons why? People often associate sugar with tooth decay and cavities, but that isn't exactly all there is to the problem. Here are some more detailed answers to some of these hygiene questions.

Why is sugar bad for teeth?
Many people erroneously believe that too much sugar causes cavities. But then why can some people get away with drinking sodas and eating taffy and never have any sign of decay? It's because it isn't the sugar that is the problem, but rather the bacteria that the sugar and other residual food particles attract. This bacteria feeds off of our leftovers and creates an acid byproduct. The acid can then slowly eat away through the healthy tooth enamel, causing decay and rot.

Is all candy bad?
The short answer is yes. But there are some sweets that your dentist will consider worse than others. Anything sticky and stretchy tops the list of tooth destroyers. Treats like taffy, caramel, and hard bubblegum get stuck in the crevices of your teeth and can stay there for days (even if you brush). The longer the sugar coats the tooth, the greater the risk of decay. The next worst candies are anything hard and long lasting such as lollipops, sour drops, and even peppermints. In addition to lingering sugar content, these snacks can crack and chip teeth if bitten too hard.

The sweets that are safest for your smile are actually some of the most popular. Chocolate, cakes, and ice cream all contain sugars that are more easily rinsed or brushed away after eating. If you do indulge every now and again, make sure to give your teeth a thorough cleaning after eating.

Are there any other foods to avoid?
No dentist would expect you to give up all potential risky foods to avoid cavities, but there are a few more items that require some extra attention. Some fairly nutritious foods can in fact be just as damaging as processed sugars. Raisins and other dried fruits, for example, have a high sugar content combined with stickiness, making it important to brush and floss after having them. Hard foods, such as nuts, are also dangerous for teeth with weak enamel.

What is the best way to avoid cavities?
Since it's been established that harmful oral bacteria eats not only sugar, but any foods that have been left behind, the key to no cavities is simply cleaning your mouth properly. The problem is that few people spend enough time or use the right techniques. You should brush your teeth for several minutes after every meal and floss twice a day using the method that your dentist has taught you. If you can't brush your teeth, rinsing your mouth out with plain water or mouthwash is better than nothing at all. It is recommended to wait thirty minutes or more after eating, however, before brushing. Your mouth needs time to wash away harsh food acids with saliva. Brushing too soon can damage enamel.