Dr. Cindy Flanagan, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry fills us in:
The Bad:
1. Sugary snacks: Candy corn, cookies, and cake all contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
2. Chewy/sticky sweets: Gummy candies, taffy, and even dried fruit can be difficult for children and adults to resist, but they are a serious source of tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in the crevices between teeth and make it nearly impossible for saliva to wash away.
3. Sour candies: High acid levels in these treats can break down tooth enamel quickly. The good news: Saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid in the mouth. Dr. Flanagan recommends that patients wait 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks, otherwise they will be brushing acid onto more tooth surfaces, increasing the erosive action.
For the full article, and for more information, visit www.knowyourteeth.com