Candy isn’t one of the best foods for healthy teeth, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate it from your diet. We’re dentists, not monsters! June is National Candy Month and it’s OK to celebrate. Just use our tips to lessen any negative effects on your smile.

Here are some dentist-approved tips to celebrate National Candy Month:

  • No Sticky or Sour Treats – The worst kinds of treats are those that cling to your teeth, giving them time to do lots of damage. So avoid sticky candies. For the same reason, skip those that stay in your mouth for a long time, like jawbreakers and suckers. Sour treats contain large amounts of both sugar and citric acid, so they are an especially unhealthy choice. 
  • Choose Chocolate Candy – Chocolate melts and washes away from your  teeth, so it’s less likely to cause cavities than sticky or sour candies. The best options are dark chocolate, which has less sugar than milk chocolate, and chocolate with nuts, since nuts offer added health benefits. 
  • Consume Candy All at One Time – Snacking throughout the day on candy gives it more time to damage your enamel and potentially lead to cavities. To avoid this, eat your candy all at once, for instance as a dessert following a meal. Brush afterward, but wait half an hour or so. Brushing too soon may risk damaging enamel weakened by acidic substances.
  • Look for Xylitol as an Ingredient – When reading the ingredient list, look for xylitol. It’s a sweetener that has cavity-fighting properties. It is often found in sugarless gum or mints. Those treats also help stimulate production of saliva, which helps wash away food debris. 
  • Chase Your Candy With Water – Have a glass of water after you eat candy, to help clean away harmful bacteria that causes cavities. 
  • Ask Us About Preventive Care – We can treat your teeth with fluoride, which strengthens enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. You can also receive sealants, which create a barrier between bad bacteria and teeth. 

To make an appointment at our Puyallup, WA office, call Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry today at 253-999-9419.