The “candy-is-awful-for-your-teeth” story is pretty much everywhere at Halloween.
I’ve heard an eminent dentist grumble that it’s the only oral health story most newspapers run all year.
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He could be right about that.
And, of course, the great scourge of tooth decay that burdens millions of Americans is simply not the result of a few candy kisses on Halloween.
The disease process that underlies tooth decay is complex. It starts with a transmissible microbial infection. Simple sugars in the diet can speed the process along. The availability of fluoride can inhibit its progress. The qualities of an individual’s saliva and the structure of the minerals in his or her teeth also play a role. And of course, there are things like oral health literacy, good home hygiene and access to routine professional care.
Nonetheless, the folks at the Academy of General Dentistry see a teachable moment in the approaching holiday.
And they want us to remember that where tooth decay is concerned, all candies are not created equal.
So if a “candy-is-awful-for-your-teeth” story looms on your list, here goes:
“Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids’ teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities,” points out AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, D.D.S.
Classified as worst by the AGD are “chewy/sticky sweets, such as gummy candies, taffy, and even dried fruit.”
“These candies are a serious source of tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in the crevices between teeth, making it nearly impossible for saliva to wash them away,” Sherwood says.
Also bad are sour candies, since they are highly acidic and can break down tooth enamel quickly.
Those who indulge in sour or acidic candies are warned to wait 30 minutes to brush their teeth in order to avoid “brushing the acid onto more tooth surfaces and increasing the risk of enamel erosion.”
Also on the bad list: candy corn, cookies, and cake. Some hope lies in the restorative powers of saliva, which, as the AGD offers, “helps to restore the natural balance of the acid in the mouth.”
Recommended sweets include sugar-free lollipops and hard candies since they stimulate saliva, which can help prevent dry mouth.
“A dry mouth allows plaque to build up on teeth faster, leading to an increased risk of cavities,” according to Sherwood.
“Sugar-free gum can actually prevent cavities as it not only dislodges food particles from between the teeth but also increases saliva – which works to neutralize the acids of the mouth and prevent tooth decay,” she adds.
If the idea of a sugar-free Halloween sounds like a bridge too far, she offers this:
“Dark chocolate and its antioxidants, according to some studies, can be good for the heart and may even lower blood pressure.”
And of course there is damage control:
“Parents should closely monitor their children’s candy intake this Halloween – and all year round – and continue to promote good oral health habits,” Sherwood says. “Kids also should be brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes.”
Get the full press release and links to additional AGD resources.
Just promise it won’t be the only oral health story you write all year!
