With Halloween right around the corner the Ontario Dental Association has shared a list of friends and foes when it comes to sweet treats.
They say this time of year children, and adults, consume more candy than normal and in a short period of time.
The list they’ve created is to help prevent anything bad from happening to teeth, braces, or dental work.
Friends
- Chocolate – Plain chocolate definitely has sugar in it but because it dissolves quickly, it doesn’t haunt your mouth for a long time which makes it less damaging to teeth.
- Nuts – All kinds of nuts have a lot of nutrients including vitamins and minerals that can keep your teeth strong and prevent cavities.
- Cheese – Eating cheese leaves a protective film on your teeth that can block sugar from doing damage. It also increases saliva which washes away the sugar and acid in whatever you eat and drink.
- Good timing – A big bowl of candy can be mesmerizing but it’s less magical when you’ve already eaten a balanced meal because you’re too full to overdo it.
- Water – Having a swish of flat water after treat time rinses your mouth and washes away the sugar.
- Sugar-free gum – next best alternative to water plus, fresh breath!
Foes
- Caramels, licorice and dried fruit – Because they’re so sticky and chewy, these sweets can cling to teeth, ruin dental work and cause tooth decay.
- Hard candy, jaw breakers and lollipops – They’re bright and colourful but they can chip teeth and dislodge braces. They also soak your teeth in sugar while they dissolve.
- Chips – Even though they’re not very sugary, chips easily get stuck on and in between your teeth and can cause cavities.
- Brushing right after you eat – Since eating softens tooth enamel, it’s best to wait 30 minutes before brushing and flossing.
Written by Ashley Taylor
