“Eating candy will rot your teeth!” How many times have you heard that as a kid? Well, if parents, dentists, hygienists, and doctors are all on the same page about candy, maybe it’s time for you to establish some good habits with your children.
The truth behind candy rotting teeth is actually quite simple to explain. Essentially, eating too much candy will, in fact, rot your teeth based on the length of time that the sugar remains on your teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “92% of adults 20 to 64 have had dental caries in their permanent teeth” and “26% of adults 20 to 64 have untreated decay” (nidcr.nih.gov, 2014).
Here’s the “breakdown” on teeth rotting:
A person’s mouth produces a natural bacteria called streptococcus, which feeds on sugar in the mouth. Streptococcus breaks down the sugar and turns it into acid that sits on the teeth. This acid accumulation will then begin eating away at a person’s tooth enamel.
The outer most part of teeth are said to be the safest from the acid because it can be washed away when a person brushes their teeth or rinses their mouth with water. However, sugar and the acid created doesn’t always wash away and it doesn’t just stay on the outside. Unfortunately, candy can get stuck between the teeth and even in the crevices. This is when that bacteria is given more time to feed on the sugar, which makes more acid and eats more enamel away from the teeth; hence, rotting teeth.
One way to prevent teeth from rotting is to reduce the amount of time that candy is on the teeth. For instance, when sugar lingers in a person’s mouth for a long period of time, this is the same amount of time that the bacteria is eating away at a person’s enamel and creating cavities. Candies like caramel, soft chocolates, and taffies are considered extremely bad for a person’s teeth because they stick to the teeth and they stay longer than other types of candy.
A person can also reduce the sugar breakdown process by brushing frequently (particularly after eating candy), rinsing the mouth out with water, and floss to get any remaining candy off teeth. Still, the only absolute way to keep your teeth safe from rotting is not to eat candy. Period. Since it’s Halloween, it may be hard to resist the temptation to ingest some sweets, but, as an orthodontist, we highly recommend eating candy in moderation, and don’t forget to schedule an appointment at our office to ensure that your teeth are in good shape.
At Foothill Dental Care in Livermore, we genuinely care about your smile and we want to help keep your smile as beautiful as you, so call today and schedule an appointment for after the candy eating season. Call (925) 961-5484 to schedule your appointment at Foothill Dental Care in Livermore.