The spookiest month of the year is finally here! However, your mind isn’t the only part of your body that should be scared this Halloween season. This time of year is also pretty frightening for your teeth and gums, especially if you develop a dental emergency. To prevent an extra appointment with your emergency dentist in Goodlettsville, let’s look at some common Halloween candies you should avoid, or at least limit.
Lollipops
When it comes to candy harming your teeth, frequency of exposure is much more detrimental than quantity of candies consumed. That basically means that the longer your teeth are exposed to sugar, the more damage is done. If you eat the candy and then brush your teeth quickly afterwards, there is little harm done. If, however, you choose to suck on a candy for a prolonged period of time, like in the case of a lollipop, bacteria in your mouth have ample time to feast on the sugar in the candy and create acids that erode your tooth enamel, causing painful cavities.
Hard Candies
Besides sucking on hard candy and washing your teeth with sugar, hard candies can actually break your teeth if you’re not careful. Even a small chip in the tooth enamel can leave you more vulnerable to decay and subsequent pain later on down the road. A larger fracture in your tooth could expose the nerve, causing a more serious toothache and increasing your risk of developing an infection.
Gummies and Sticky Candy
Candy that’s sticky is actually one of the worst things out there for your teeth. This candy takes longer for saliva to wash away, so it stays on your teeth for much longer periods of time than other candy like chocolate. This gives harmful bacteria more time to get to work on your teeth and cause cavities. Moreover, sticky candy could cause any crowns or fillings to dislodge.
Sour Candy
If it makes you pucker, you might want to pass on it for the sake of your teeth. Sour candy is often incredibly acidic. That acid weakens your enamel, leaving you more susceptible to cavities. When a cavity reaches the sensitive inner portion of the tooth, it can result in a toothache serious enough to be called a dental emergency. Root canal therapy might be the only thing that can save the tooth at that point.
Popcorn Balls
If you’re going to enjoy this fall favorite, be sure to have some dental floss handy. Popcorn husks can easily get stuck in between teeth. Additionally, if you happen to bite any stray kernels, it could fracture your tooth. Exercise extreme caution when enjoying this snack to protect your teeth.
Just because Halloween is around the corner doesn’t mean you can let your oral hygiene fall by the wayside. Limit your consumption of the candies listed above this holiday. Your teeth will thank you.
About the Author
Dr. Deidra Harrison-McClain started out as a dental assistant before becoming a full-fledged dentist in Goodlettsville, TN. She completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, where she graduated at the top of her class. Her practice offers same-day appointments for emergency patients. If you’re experiencing an urgent dental situation, don’t hesitate to contact her office here or at (615) 859-0188.