The sweetest time of the year is right around the corner. As people prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, grocery store shelves will soon look barren thanks to the millions of dollars spent on candy. From chocolate and truffles to sour gummies and oversized suckers, the options for treating one’s sweet tooth are endless. But if you want to make sure that your special someone doesn’t experience a cavity-stricken smile, find out which treats you should avoid, and which ones will be safer to enjoy.
Stay Away From These Sweets
While walking the aisles of your local grocery store, there is no doubt that you pass by a never-ending selection of sugar-filled candies wrapped in pink and red. With balloons and flowers as the “perfect” add-on, it can be tempting to grab the biggest chocolate teddy bear or sucker available. But since too much of a “good” thing can lead to disaster, make sure to steer clear of these special treats when gifting the one you love:
- Chewy candy – It sticks to teeth and is difficult to remove, making it easy for bacteria to feed on tooth enamel and break it down over time.
- Hard candy – Suckers and other similar items can put teeth at risk of serious damage, resulting in a trip to the emergency dentist’s office.
- Sour candy – Apart from being filled with sugar, they are highly acidic, which speeds up the breakdown of tooth enamel.
- Caramel popcorn – Biting down on a kernel can cause you to chip or crack a tooth, but caramel is also one of the chewy candies you should avoid because of the potential for cavities.
- Sweet wine – Red or white wine can be fine in moderation but too much can result in dental decay, especially if it’s sweet. Also, they’re prone to drying out the mouth, which can lead to the harboring of bad bacteria.
Share the Love with These Treats
If you’d rather share a special gift that doesn’t put your loved one’s smile at risk, there are many different options to choose from, such as:
- Fruit bouquet
- Dark chocolate
- Cheese and crackers
- Sugar-free candy
Although eliminating sugar may not be possible (depending on who you’re buying for), you can minimize the amount and offer healthier options that will ensure your Valentine feels loved this holiday.
About the Practice
Comprised of five dental experts who are eager to help patients embrace healthier smiles, our team at Collinsville Dental Associates is here to provide the care and attention you need. When it comes to identifying signs of decay early on, we can help minimize the damage and need for restorative care by offering preventive tips and solutions, especially around the holidays. Visit our website or call (276) 647-1494 to learn more about how we can help you better plan your Valentine’s Day this year.