Many of us have fond memories of Easter. Hunting for Easter eggs is often a rite of passage along with enjoying large helpings of Easter candy. But, when it comes to dental health, not all of these seasonal treats are created equal. So before you purchase any Easter candy for your children (or yourself), here are some tips from your local dentist in Waco or Harker Heights for making the healthiest choice possible for their teeth.
Sugar-Free Candies
Candies that are high in sugar can lead to significant problems when it comes to your oral health. In fact, sugar feeds the harmful bacteria which can lead to plaque, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Candy that is sugar-free can be a great compromise – it’s a smarter option for your teeth and still allows you to indulge a little.
Sugar-free candy is still sweet, but with the lower sugar content, you are less likely to promote the negative bacteria. And since they stimulate the salivary glands, they can even help fight off cavities instead of causing them.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has larger amounts of cocoa than milk or white chocolate, making it a better option for children who enjoy chocolate. It is important to be sure your child consumes dark chocolate in moderation to prevent the overconsumption of sugar.
When it comes to controlling their sugar intake, choose smaller candies instead of large candy bars. This helps limit the portion size through individual pieces and presents less of a temptation than a full bar. If you want to give a chocolate bunny, look for one that is hollow in the middle, limiting the amount of chocolate they consume.
Chewy Candies
Most dentists in Waco or Harker Heights agree that chewy candies are one of the worst offenders when it comes to sugar and plaque buildup. These are more likely to linger on the teeth and can even get stuck in the spaces between teeth or other crevices, exposing the surfaces to sugar over a longer period of time. That means treats like gummy candies, jelly beans and taffy should be avoided, along with sweets featuring caramel or marshmallow.
Hard Candies
Hard candies that aren’t sugar-free present a similar issue to chewy candies. Since hard candy takes time to dissolve, it exposes teeth to sugar for an extended period of time. Additionally, children who chew on hard candies may end up with pieces stuck between their teeth, exposing even more of the surface to sugar. In the worst of cases, biting down on a hard candy can even lead to a cracked tooth.
Sour Candies
Sour candies are a double-edged sword in regards to tooth damage. Unless they are sugar-free, they can have the same amount of sugar as the previously discussed hard and gummy candy. They also contain a type of acid that produces the sour taste. Acid can damage tooth enamel, making your child’s teeth more susceptible to damage and decay long-term.
Easter and candy often go hand-in-hand, especially if you have children. However, by making smarter choices, you can help keep your kid’s teeth healthy between visits to your Waco or Harker Heights dentist while still enjoying some fun, seasonal treats.
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Krystle J.
Sammy, Connor, the front desk staff, Dental Hygenist and especially Dr. Town are amazing! It’s great to see the same faces everyone I get a cleaning! Sammy makes the experience comfortable and welcome. Connor may be quiet but he always does a great job! The dental hygienist always remembers me and my kids. Sorry I cant remember her name but she knows who I am and that’s what matters:) Thankful for this staff and the great care they give to my family!
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I love it here. I have never seen a dental office give flowers to first timers. Everyone was so welcome if. In pain but you guys still made me smile. I told my daughter she need to come there. I love how you guys work with options of payment. Again thanks for making me smile in pain.
Emily C.
We’ve always had a good experience at Stonehaven. The women at the front desk are always cheerful and helpful. I love the hygienists, they always make my children and I feel comfortable and informed. I have pretty high dental anxiety and they’ve never tried to minimize my fears- but they listen to me, and help me feel as comfortable as possible. The dentists and orthodontists have been great! No issues at all. (I just wish my daughter was better at flossing, but we’re working on that!)
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Oh my god, this doctor and staff are the best! They are friendly, they explained everything very thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable. The office is so clean and every one of the staff is so amazing especially Crystal! I recommend this dental office big time!!! Thank you Stonehaven Dental!!
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"This is my first time at Stonehaven dental. Everyone was super friendly, and helpful. Dr Town came in and visited with me and together we developed a treatment plan to address the issues that were present on my teeth. Couldn't be more happy with the experience with everyone in the office!"