All your life you have probably heard that eating candy damages teeth. However, while foods high in sugar may promote the formation of cavities, sugar is not the actual culprit behind tooth decay. Candy cavities are formed when the naturally occurring bacteria formed in the mouth digests carbohydrate debris left in the mouth after food is consumed. The debris may include the refined sugars found in candy and other treats.
As the carbohydrates are being digested, the bacteria produce an acid that meets with the saliva to form plaque. Note that its plaque and not sugar which leads to tooth damage on your candy teeth. Plaque builds up after every meal. Once the candy is consumed and the teeth are not brushed, the plaque may erode the outer enamel of your teeth. Over time, without protective enamel:
- Your teeth may increase sensitivity to hot and cold conditions.
- Your teeth may take on a yellowish appearance as a result of the exposure of the yellow dentin found below the enamel.
This could eventually result in tiny holes in the surface of your teeth. Understand that sour candy is very harmful. It is highly acidic and can quickly dissolve tooth enamel on contact. So, how should you prevent cavities when you have sweeteners teeth?
- Limit your intake: Eating candy several times is not a problem. The problem is when you over indulge. Do not suck or chew on candy for long periods.
- Switch candy with water: After eating candy drink or gaggle water. This helps in rinsing the candy and the entire residue off your teeth before any damage is caused.
- Brush your teeth but not immediately after eating candy: A busy schedule may prevent you from brushing your candy teeth as often as you should. You can, however, carry a portable toothbrush everywhere you go. This will give you the opportunity of visiting the restroom to get the sugar residue off your teeth. Also, make a point of changing your home toothbrush. Consuming a lot of candy puts you at the risk of building more plaque than the average person. This is because plaque thrives in a carbohydrate-rich environment. However, do not brush your teeth immediately after consuming your candy as this would lead you into brushing away part of your enamel. Hold on for about an hour to give your mouth time to use its defenses.
- Make use of a mouth rinse: This should help you remove large amounts of sugars and sticky residue. Mouth rinses that contain fluoride are the best. However, this should not rule out the effectiveness of plain water on sweeteners teeth.
- Chew a sugar-free gum: After eating candy, chewing a sugar-free gum can help you clean your teeth. Chewing increases the production of saliva and removes sugar coatings from the teeth. The key to preventing tooth damage after eating sweeteners is by simply preventing the mouth from staying coated in the sugars for a long time. It is advisable to choose less sugary snacks to keep off candy cavities. For instance, fruits are a healthy way to satisfy a craving for sweets.