With Easter around the corner, you might be excited about the many themed candies around this holiday. From marshmallows shaped like chicks to chocolate eggs, the sugary goodness might excite you! However, before you dive in, certain treats can spell trouble and increase your risk of oral health issues. Here are ones you should avoid and other options that are safer for your smile.
What Should I Keep Out of My Easter Basket?
No matter if you are buying for yourself or filling up baskets to give, try to avoid these treats:
- Sticky Candies: Jelly beans, marshmallows, taffy, and other similar things cling to smiles. They can sit for a long time, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Sour Treats: While they are full of sugar, they are also acidic. This is double the trouble as the latter can erode your enamel, making it easier for bacteria in your mouth to cause problems.
- Hard Sweets: Items like these can cause damage when bitten into, but they are also designed to be eaten over a long period. Each time, they expose grins to a sugar attack!
- Large Chocolate Bunnies: While these might be in the spirit of the holiday, they take a while to finish. Just like the point above, you will be more likely to develop decay.
Are There Safer Candies to Enjoy This Easter?
After reading the list above, you might wonder what’s safe for your teeth to eat during Easter. Fruits and vegetables are the more obvious choices you should stick to, but there are several candies that aren’t the worst to have!
For instance, chocolate is one of the better sweets as it melts easily and doesn’t linger in the mouth for too long. Better yet, the dark variant has less sugar, while ones with nuts can have added nutrients and scrub teeth. Other than that, sugar-free options are also ones to consider. They help stimulate saliva production, which will help wash away harmful bacteria, lingering particles, and neutralize acids.
Although certain Easter-themed candies can spell trouble for your smile, you shouldn’t let them stop you from enjoying the holiday. Consider sticking to the safer options mentioned above and only having the others in moderation; that way, your oral health stays in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Tamara Kasmikha is a proud dentist happy to help the Sterling Heights community get the stronger teeth and gums they deserve. With checkups and cleanings, she can stop problems while they are minor before they cause a bigger headache later on. If you want to make sure this holiday won’t cause any trouble for your smile, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Tamara’s office at (586) 803-1901.