Valentine’s Day Is Almost Here – What Candy Should You Watch Out For?

Once again, Valentine’s Day is here with us.

If you’re planning on giving your loved one a gift for Valentine’s Day, there is a chance you are going to include candy. It’s important you stay informed when choosing these candies to make sure you get treats that are less likely to linger on their teeth and cause dental issues.

Avoid sour, hard, and sticky candies regardless of how appealing they seem to be. Sour candies are highly acidic and could contribute to the breakdown of the tooth enamel leading to cavities. Hard candies stay in the mouth for too long and trying to melt them creates a sugary wash that coats the surface of the tooth.

If you aren’t patient and decide to bite down on hard sweets, your teeth could chip or crack. You also don’t want to indulge in sticky candies – especially someone with braces. These get trapped in the gaps of the teeth and promote decay.

However, not all sugar is created the same.

The better options for satisfying your loved one’s sweet tooth would be soft dark chocolates, peanut butter cups, candy bars with nuts, and sugarless gum. Soft chocolates wash away easier than other candy while candy bars with nuts are good sources of protein and fiber, and can help reduce the harmful effects of stickier candy.

Don’t forget to look out for your oral health by brushing and flossing between teeth, as well as at the gum line. The team at Carolina Smiles Dentistry can help you prevent dental problems from occurring and catch those that happen earlier.

Scheduling regular dental visits to have both you and your kids’ teeth checked can make a significant difference in your overall dental health. It is also recommended that you and your children brush after eating to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today at(919)620-6700. At Carolina Smiles Dentistry, we love helping you smile!