Over the years, dentists have found that certain types of candies tend to be better for your teeth than others. While we can't guarantee you won't suffer from any dental problems by eating candy (especially if you eat a lot of it), following these general rules can help keep your teeth in tip-top shape as you indulge in some sweet treats this holiday season. Here are five different types of candies that are good for your teeth.
Hard candy.
While hard candy is certainly not good for your teeth, it's sugar-free and will help take care of any cavities you may have. Simply rinse your mouth with warm water after consuming to avoid further damage.
Chewy candy.
Because it takes longer to eat, chewy candy can improve your oral health by reducing bacteria buildup and plaque. The increased saliva production from chewing also helps remove harmful acids from your mouth that can damage tooth enamel. Some types of chewy candy include taffy, caramels, licorice and gummies.
Sugarless hard candies.
While it may seem counterintuitive, sugarless hard candy can actually do a lot to improve your oral health. The sugar-free designation doesn't just mean you're cutting out empty calories—it also means your teeth are safe from both erosion and cavities. Sugarless hard candy is free of refined sugar, which can cause enamel damage and decay.
Acidic candies(lemon drops)
Acids can actually have a whitening effect on teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth or eat food right after consuming acidic candy, though—don't let it sit on your teeth! Sour candy is also thought to be good at removing plaque from your teeth. Just be careful not to overdo it with acid—you don't want to damage enamel or make your mouth sore!
Sugarless gum e.g. orbitz.
People who regularly chew sugarless gum tend to experience fewer cavities than those who don't. When you chew gum, your saliva becomes alkaline, which combats cavity-causing bacteria. But make sure you choose sugarless gum – sugary varieties can increase cavities. Choose sugar-free gum flavored with xylitol (such as Orbitz) instead; research suggests it may even help strengthen teeth and reduce plaque buildup.
Over the years, dentists have found that certain types of candies tend to be better for your teeth than others. While we can't guarantee you won't suffer from any dental problems by eating candy (especially if you eat a lot of it), following these general rules can help keep your teeth in tip-top shape as you indulge in some sweet treats this holiday season. Here are five different types of candies that are good for your teeth.