Sometimes a sugary treat is necessary, but eating too much candy can create life-changing damage to the teeth. Here are a few different reasons and explanations on the way that certain candies can damage your teeth.

The Sugar
A bacteria in our mouths,”streptococcus,” loves to feed on the sugar that we knowingly accept is in the candy we enjoy so much. As it feeds on the sugar, it is broken down into acid that eats away at our tooth enamel. The longer that the sugar lingers in your mouth, the more exposure to acid. Brush your teeth or drink some water to make sure that the teeth have a quick rinse from the sugar and that the candy is not stuck in the crevices of your molars.

Hard Candy
Sucking on a hard candy increases the length of time that the bacteria has to convert the sugar into acid, raising the risk of decay. Besides the exposure to sugar, hard candy can also physically damage your teeth in an instant. Chomping down on hard candy, especially if the teeth are not as strong as they should be, can lead to a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth. These are not only expensive to fix, but can also become a dental emergency.

Citrus or Sour Candy
Citrus acts a lot like sugar wherein it can erode enamel. You may think you are choosing the healthier option when eating fruit-flavored candy, but even these candies have more citrus and acidic additives that will slowly eat away at your enamel and make you more susceptible to tooth decay. Citrus candies can also irritate mouth sores or cuts, creating a painful sting.

Chewy Candy
Chewy candy or even dried fruits are the worst with sugar that sticks to the teeth. Even if you drink water after eating some sticky, chewy candy, it will more than likely stay in your teeth creating damage. When eating chewy candy, it is best to brush afterwards. Also, be careful when chewing because this type of candy can pull out a filling, onlay, inlay, or crown.

There is no reason to completely avoid candy, but choose sugar-free gum or candy when given the option. Remember to keep everything in moderation, and brush/floss to make sure residue is gone. Visit a dentist for a deep cleaning and to assure that you are on the right path to strong, healthy teeth.