Halloween Candy Time!

We all know that Halloween is a beloved holiday in America. Over 2 billion dollars worth of candy is purchased for this day! Like most things in life, everything can be enjoyed in moderation. I’d like to give you some tips of how to enjoy and indulge without incurring too much dental damage!

The reason sugar is bad for your teeth is because bacteria in your mouth consume the sugar and produce acids which weaken your enamel. For this reason sour tart chewy candies are the worst for you. The sour and tart tastes come from adding tartaric acid to the candy so these choices already add acids to your saliva instantly even before the bacteria do their deed. Dark chocolates have less sugar than milk chocolate so dark chocolate is a better choice. Also chocolate in general can be cleaned off of your teeth easier than sticky chewy candies such as caramel, gummy bears, Swedish fish, etc. But remember, this doesn’t make chocolate a get out of jail free card. Moderate!

Regardless of your choices, spend a little extra time flossing and brushing the days that you indulge. Also drink, swish and swallow water right after eating the candy to wash away the acids and start the neutralization process that your saliva provides. Choose your treats and only save a couple of days worth and throw the rest away! The damage in softening your enamel is cumulative so if you don’t expose yourself for too prolonged a time, you can have your candy and eat it too!

For more information, you can contact Dr. Michael Krochak at

drk@nycsmilespa.com

NYC Smile Spa

30 E. 60th St., Rm 1201

New York, NY 10022

(212) 838-2900