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Many know that oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly are essential tasks for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Yet, another important element of preventive dental care is choosing dental-healthy foods. While candy isn’t exactly the friendliest choice for your enamel, you don’t have to neglect your sweet tooth altogether to maintain healthy teeth. Below is what you should know when it comes to candy and oral health.  

Which Candies Are Safest?

If you’re seeking a burst of sweet, refreshing flavor that also packs a powerful punch for your oral hygiene, turn to sugarless gum. Sweetened with sugar alternatives such as stevia, this type of gum can aid in saliva production to help clear away excess food particles. Sugary gum, on the other hand, feeds harmful bacteria, which could cause plaque over time.

When you need a sweet treat that isn’t gum, consider reaching for a fun-sized candy bar. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate can actually wash away from the teeth fairly quickly, especially when followed up with oral hygiene tactics like rinsing or brushing. If possible, reach for something with dark chocolate and nuts, as the dark chocolate has calcium, and the nuts can reduce biofilm on the enamel’s surface.

Which Types of Candy Should I Avoid?

oral hygiene The worst types of sweets for your teeth are those that are likely to leave behind a sticky residue, like hard candies, gummies, sugary gum, and caramels. While dried fruit might seem like a better alternative, the fact is that even all-natural dried fruits will leave behind high concentrations of sugar on the teeth. If you’re craving something sweet and chewy, reach for fresh fruit instead. In particular, fibrous choices such as apples stimulate saliva production to help keep teeth clean.

 

No matter which sugary treats you choose to indulge in, receiving regular teeth cleanings can help you minimize your risk for tooth decay. If you’re due for a cleaning, turn to Dr. Richard R. Miller Jr., DDS. As a trusted family dentist with locations in Summerville and Fairmount, GA, this office provides a wide range of oral hygiene services, including exams, root canal treatments, and cosmetic solutions. You can expect to receive friendly, individualized service from this dentist and his support staff at every appointment. Schedule an appointment in the Summerville office by calling (706) 857-4741 or in the Fairmount office by calling (706) 337-3347. Learn more about their services online.

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