Another holiday traditionally packed full of sweets is upon us, and at my Wichita dental office, we’re all about sweet treats — in moderation. Moderation is key to any diet, especially when it comes to your oral health and sugar-loaded snacks. This Easter, try to avoid these top three worst candies, and swap them out for healthier alternatives.

The Top Culprits

Dentists have a reputation of being anti-sugar, and with good reason. Sugar is one of the main causes of decay and cavities, and most candies are full of the stuff. But some are worse for your teeth than others. Let’s take a look at what to avoid.

• Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Stuff – Caramels, gummies, and taffy are some of the worst candy for your teeth. Sticky stuff gets stuck in crevices and hard-to-reach places in teeth, allowing sugar to linger even after you’re done eating.

• Pucker-inducing Sours – Sour candy contains acid. A lot of it. Acid is what causes enamel to erode, making it easy for bacteria to wiggle in and create cavities.

• Rock Hard Sweets –  Hard sweets like lollipops take awhile to eat, leaving teeth exposed to sugar for a long time. The longer it’s there, the more chance there is for decay, cavities, and the need for fillings or other dental treatment.

Healthier Choices

There are some candy out there that aren’t as terrible for your teeth, or your overall health. Try some of these alternatives to satisfy your candy craving while keeping your smile in tact.

• Hollow Dark Chocolates – Hollow chocolates not only cut calories, they also lower your exposure to sugar. Make the hollow mold of goodness dark chocolate instead of milk and provide your body with powerful antioxidants too.

• Sugar-Free Snacks – If sugar is what makes most candy bad, candy without sugar is obviously better. Look around for some sugar-free options to still get your candy fix without the damaging effects of sugar.

Besides avoiding, or at least limiting, the top three worst candies for your grin, make sure you brush and floss everyday and maintain regular visits to your dentist in Wichita. Both are crucial for health smiles and healthy bodies.

If it’s time for your checkup and you’re looking for a dental team that puts you first, give my Wichita dental office a call. We’ll be happy to see you!

Welcoming patients from Wichita, East Wichita, and Northeast Wichita.