Halloween officially marks the beginning of the Fall and Winter Holiday Season where gifts of delicious and tempting treats are shared. Sweets and Carbohydrates (Carbs) can still be part of the fun during the holidays as long as parents and caregivers help their children practice moderation and proper oral hygiene to keep their mouths healthy.
After receiving their treats, children love to dive into their stash and begin sorting. Before they get started, remember that not all sweets and carbs impact teeth in the same way. Did you know that there are four ingredients necessary to make a cavity: 1) plaque bacteria (they convert carbs and sugar into acid), 2) a tooth, 3) carbohydrates (sugars), and 4) time (how long the carbs and their sticky residue stay in the mouth and on the teeth).
This Holiday season, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) reminds us that children should moderate the amount of carbs and sweets they consume and should avoid the sticky and gooey sweets, such as gummies, caramels, and sour candies. Why? Because these types of carbs and sweets can get stuck on the teeth and in the grooves and crevices of the teeth and prolong the time for the bacteria to convert the carbs and sugar into corrosive acid. Why Avoid Sour Candies? Because did you know they add an additional harm as they have high corrosive acid concentration content? Yes, this additional acid erodes and dissolves the outer tooth enamel, thus making it easier for a cavity to form.
According to the AAPD, the more tooth-friendly sweet treat is dark chocolate, which isn’t sticky or acidic. It contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which may actually stop the unhealthy bacteria from sticking to the teeth, prevent gum infections, and fight tooth decay.
Also, according to research, sugarless gum that contains xylitol can actually promote the presence of healthy bacteria that protect the teeth and fight the buildup of plaque. Chewing gum also creates mouth-cleansing saliva.
Click This Link for more info and to help guide children towards more tooth-friendly treats through sorting goodies according to which are best and worst for your children’s smile!
–Dr. Jon and Team HappyHealthyTeeth