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Top 3 Worst Easter Candies for your Teeth

Another holiday traditionally packed full of sweets is upon us, and at my Douglasville dental office, we’re all about sweet treats — in moderation. Moderation is key to any diet, especially when it comes to your oral health and sugar-loaded snacks. This Easter, try to avoid these top three worst candies, and swap them out for healthier alternatives.

The Top Culprits

Dentists have a reputation of being anti-sugar, and with good reason. Sugar is one of the main causes of decay and cavities, and most candies are full of the stuff. But some are worse for your teeth than others. Let’s take a look at what to avoid.

• Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Stuff – Caramels, gummies, and taffy are some of the worst candy for your teeth. Sticky stuff gets stuck in crevices and hard-to-reach places in teeth, allowing sugar to linger even after you’re done eating.

• Pucker-inducing Sours – Sour candy contains acid. A lot of it. Acid is what causes enamel to erode, making it easy for bacteria to wiggle in and create cavities.

• Rock Hard Sweets –  Hard sweets like lollipops take awhile to eat, leaving teeth exposed to sugar for a long time. The longer it’s there, the more chance there is for decay, cavities, and the need for fillings or other dental treatment.

Healthier Choices

There are some candy out there that aren’t as terrible for your teeth, or your overall health. Try some of these alternatives to satisfy your candy craving while keeping your smile in tact.

• Hollow Dark Chocolates – Hollow chocolates not only cut calories, they also lower your exposure to sugar. Make the hollow mold of goodness dark chocolate instead of milk and provide your body with powerful antioxidants too.

• Sugar-Free Snacks – If sugar is what makes most candy bad, candy without sugar is obviously better. Look around for some sugar-free options to still get your candy fix without the damaging effects of sugar.

Besides avoiding, or at least limiting, the top three worst candies for your grin, make sure you brush and floss everyday and maintain regular visits to your dentist in Douglasville. Both are crucial for health smiles and healthy bodies.

If it’s time for your checkup and you’re looking for a dental team that puts you first, give my Douglasville dental office a call. We’ll be happy to see you!

Welcoming patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

Which Vitamins Are Most Important for Dental Health?

A healthy body relies on receiving enough vitamins in order to function properly. Your mouth is no different. Some of the same vitamins crucial for optimal whole-body wellness are necessary for a healthy mouth. At my Douglasville dental office, we’re here to explain which vitamins are sure to make your smile happy.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale build immunity and aid your body in fighting off unwanted infections. How does this help your mouth? Very similarly, in fact. A diet rich in vitamin A promotes healing and keeps gums healthy. It’s also helpful in saliva production which rinses away food particles and bacteria.

B Vitamins

Vitamins that fall within the B family help you keep calm and ease stress. They also are a natural anti-inflammatory. Receiving enough B vitamins can decrease tongue inflammation and even keep canker sores or other mouth sores away. Get yours by eating chicken, fish, or spinach.

Vitamin C

Another immune booster, vitamin C is also essential for healthy gums. It can reduce gum inflammation by helping to repair the tissues that surround the teeth. Not enough vitamin C can actually increase the risk for gum disease, so make sure you eat your broccoli, kale, and citrus fruits.

D Vitamins

D vitamins help calcium absorption. Without your D vitamins, the calcium that builds strong bones and teeth can’t be absorbed, and bones are left to deteriorate. A lack of D vitamins can also cause dry mouth or create a metallic taste in the mouth. Both of which are pretty unpleasant.

Vitamins are received through the foods we eat, and if your diet includes an adequate amount of dairy, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, you just may be getting all you need. But sometimes a well-balanced, healthy meal isn’t so easy to come by. That’s when you may be lacking some crucial vitamins and a supplement may be needed. However, before starting a vitamin supplement routine, it’s best to consult your physician.

Eating well is only part of getting your mouth in its healthiest state. You still need to follow a oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing every day and maintain regular dental checkups. At my dental office in Douglasville, we’re always accepting new patients and would love the opportunity to help you smile. Give us a call today!

Welcoming patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.