You have already heard that candy is not good for your teeth. Maybe it puzzles you why something that tastes so nice can be so negatively spoken about. In this article, we will touch on everything you need to know about candy. Remember, a month can never end before you buy at least one packet of candy. The purchase of candy is reported to be highest during the month of October as people celebrate Halloween festival.
When you eat candy and other sweets, the oral environment is changed. This change is due to the sticky nature of the sugar in the candy and sweets, which enables the formation of plaque, a substance that closely adheres to the tooth and can only be removed using a toothbrush. It is in this plaque that many bacteria reproduce to change the oral environment. After bacteria have found a place to settle, in plaque, they then concentrate on using the carbohydrates that are provided by candy to produce acids. These acids cause dissolution of enamel, resulting in sensitivity, and decay. The bacteria need only around twenty minutes to produce acids which cause decay and sensitivity.
Apart from cavities and sensitivity, the teeth are more liable to fracture, crack and chip off. This is because the acids produced by the bacteria from the carbohydrates contained in the candy destroy enamel structure. The destroyed enamel structure is weaker and therefore cracks and chips off easily.
Is there a difference between hard and soft candy?
Yes, there is a difference. The soft candies like chocolate are easily washed off compared to the hard candies. The hard candies are said to be stickier to the teeth. The process of chewing on hard candy also keeps them in contact with the tooth longer, and they can also get deeper into the grooves of the tooth due to pressure. This makes hard candy the worst type of candy. Dentists thus tell you that if you really must have candy, have the soft candy.
Another important thing is to always clean your mouth immediately after taking candy. A simple gargling of plain water can reduce the effects of candy by up to 50% or even more. If you brush immediately after eating candy, the effects can be even reduced to zero percent. You could jokingly say that whenever you buy candy, you should buy a toothbrush too so that immediately you are done with the candy, you can brush it away.
Contact a dentist or dental hygienist at Water Brook Dental in Washington DC for a dental check-up and other dental needs. Water Brook Dental has two locations in Washington DC. The Columbia Heights location is very conveniently located to Downtown DC, Northeast DC, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, U-Street Corridor, Mount Pleasant and many other parts of Washington. The Eastern Ave NW location is conveniently located to Downtown Silver Spring, Takoma Park MD, Silver Spring MD, Colesville, and other parts of Maryland as well as Northern Virginia and other parts of Virginia.
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