The Importance of Avoiding Hard Candy

shutterstock_108246734Almost everybody loves candy. Sugary treats can be difficult to avoid. As hard candy poses special risks to your dental health, you should not eat it.

Hard Candy And Your Oral Health:

You may know the importance of reducing sugar in your diet, but hard candy can present more problems than a plain chocolate bar. When you eat a piece of hard candy, much of the sugar remains on your teeth. The sticky, sugary film lingers on your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay. Sugary residue becomes trapped between your teeth, and it is harmful to your gums as well as your teeth.

Hard candy also increases the risk of breaking or chipping a tooth. Even if you try to suck on the candy, you are tempted to bite and chew it. If you break or crack a tooth, you may need emergency dental care. You can easily avoid the time and expense by not eating hard candies.

Dental Tips For Treats:

The best way to avoid unnecessary dental problems is to focus on healthy foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are better than sugary treats. However, there may be holidays and other special occasions that make it difficult to avoid treats entirely.

Instead of peppermints, sour balls, and other hard candies, choose plain chocolate. Limit the amount of chocolate you consume, and brush your teeth after you eat it. While much of the sugar is swallowed, you still need to brush and floss. You do not want sugary residue to remain in your mouth.

Extend these tips to everyone in your family. Even the youngest children can be encouraged to avoid hard candy when they are allowed to have an occasional treat. You can keep hard candy out of your home, replace it with healthier options, and remind your kids to make healthy choices when they attend parties or visit their friends.