Do you like to eat sweets or candy every now and then? Many people have a sweet tooth, though, choosing wisely beforehand can save your smile from need a cavity filling or two. Dr. James Stewart, your 48154 dentist explains which sweets prove better for your oral health and which ones to limit.
Candies You Can Enjoy Virtually Carefree
- Sugar-free lollipops. If you’re craving a sucker, try having the sugar-free variety. Not only does it cut-down on calories, the lessened sugar content won’t harm your teeth as much as a traditional lollipop can. Furthermore, having a lollipop from time-to-time increases your saliva production, which reduces your risk for cavities. After all, saliva is the mouth’s natural defense against cavity-causing bacteria.
- Sugar-free gum. Much like having the occasional sugar-free sucker, sugarless gum decreases your risk of forming cavities for two reasons. The first, the gum maintains your salivary glands active to stave off a dry mouth. Secondly, chewing gum—especially after eating—helps dislodge food particles.
- Dark chocolate. Many studies have indicated the benefits of dark chocolate; the higher cacao content, the better. Unlike the milk chocolate variety, dark chocolate, contains antioxidants. These antioxidants help reduce blood pressure, which makes for a healthier heart.
Take Care to Limit These Sweets Whenever Possible
- Sugar-loaded snacks. Eating candy corn, cookies, pie, and cake can ruin both your smile and waistline. The high amounts of sugar helps feed the oral bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Plus, the excess sugar is stored as fat in body. While enjoying a sweet treat once-in-a-while isn’t horrible, take care to brush your teeth soon afterward.
- Chewy and sticky foods. Sticky or chewy sweets pose the biggest problems for smiles. The sticky substances give the sugar a steady base to latch onto. Since even saliva has trouble removing the chewy particles, bacteria has more time to attack the enamel. This proves especially true for molars, which have deeper grooves and crevices. Therefore, after having gummy candy, taffy, and even dried fruit, clean your teeth right way.
- Sour candy. This type of candy is enjoyed by many; however, your 48154 dentist recommends avoiding the sweet treat. Sour candy is highly acidic, which wreaks havoc on teeth. Yet, should you sneak a couple of pieces, drink water with it. Then, wait about 30 minutes before brushing to allow your enamel to harden again.
Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Safe Foods to Enjoy or Avoid
To learn more about healthy foods and goodies to eat that won’t prove detrimental to your smile, consult with Dr. Stewart. He can explain why some foods benefit your teeth more than others. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia 48154dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.