Got a dentist appointment for your kid coming up? While its best to always avoid sugary snacks, it is especially important in the weeks leading up to the visit. While sweets are generally a no-go, some are particularly harmful to teeth. Here are the top candies to avoid before your child’s dentist appointment.
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Sweets to Avoid Before Your Kid's Next Dentist Appointment
Sour Candy
Sour candy is a double threat to dental health. Not only is it coated in sugar, but it is also very acidic. The sugar promotes the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, while the high acidity breaks down tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and breakage. Avoiding sour candy is a crucial step in protecting your child’s teeth.
Hard Candy
Hard candies, like lollipops, are problematic because they last a long time in the mouth. The longer they are there, the more time your teeth are exposed to sugar.
As your child sucks on hard candy, sugar-filled saliva continually coats their teeth, leading to prolonged sugar exposure and an increased risk of cavities. Plus, biting down on hard candies can chip or break teeth. It's best to skip hard candies whenever possible.
Sticky Candy
Sticky candies like taffy, Skittles, and caramel are another type to avoid. These candies tend to stick in the crevices of teeth and are tough to remove.
This means the sugar stays on the teeth longer, giving bacteria more time to feed on it and multiply, which can lead to tooth decay. Keeping sticky candy out of your child’s diet before their dentist appointment can help prevent dental problems.
What is the Most Dentist-Approved Sweet?
If your child craves sweets, chocolate is the best option for their teeth. Chocolate washes off easily and doesn’t linger in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities.
Dark chocolate is even better because it contains less sugar and has compounds that may help harden tooth enamel and fight plaque.
If you want to learn more about preparing your child for their upcoming dentist appointment, contact us today. We're here to help keep those smiles healthy and bright!