{"id":650,"date":"2021-03-28T20:21:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-28T20:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/?p=650"},"modified":"2021-03-28T20:21:00","modified_gmt":"2021-03-28T20:21:00","slug":"oral-hygiene-and-easter-candies-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.washingtondentalnj.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/28\/oral-hygiene-and-easter-candies-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Easter Candies That Can Damage Your Smile This Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Who doesn\u2019t love a visit from the Easter Bunny? Hopping around delivering baskets full of chocolate treats, stuffed bunnies, and colorful eggs is a wonderful way to welcome spring; however, these good intentions can have disastrous effects on your teeth if you\u2019re not practicing good oral hygiene<\/a>. Eating too much of any sweets can lead to cavities and gum disease, but which Easter candies are the worst? Read on to find out which tasty treats can wreak the most havoc on your smile.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Milk Chocolate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter if your basket is filled with bunnies, eggs, or other Easter-themed objects, milk chocolate may taste good, but it can significantly harm your teeth if you\u2019re not careful. It\u2019s not uncommon to surprise a loved one with an overtly large chocolate bunny for the holiday; however, because it can take several days to eat these particular treats, you\u2019ll be exposing your tooth enamel to sugars and harmful acids that can eat away at the top layer of your teeth, resulting in cavities over time. Instead of choosing the milk chocolate version, why not reach for a dark chocolate bunny instead? These are known to be much healthier, containing fewer calories and sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jelly Beans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These small, pop-them-in-your-mouth candies can\u2019t do that much harm, can they? Yes, they can, and they will if you consume too many. Jelly beans may come in many different flavors, but all of them contain high amounts of sugar. Not to mention, they\u2019re chewy and sticky, which means they can adhere to your teeth much easier than chocolate. As a result, they can become lodged and cause bacteria to grow and reach the inner crevices of your teeth. Causing cavities to form, you will be better off opting for almonds, which can help to stimulate your salivary glands and flush out harmful food particles and bacteria, or another natural chocolate treat that is small and handheld just like jelly beans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peeps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to Peeps, you\u2019re either a fan or you\u2019re not. These sugar-coated and filled marshmallow sweets are cute to look at but are notorious for causing cavities, especially in your children. Because their teeth are already more vulnerable to decay, these colorful chicks will only raise their risk for cavities and result in the need to see an emergency dentist. Not to mention, their high sugar content is known to be a bad mixture for kids who are prone to be hyperactive. Instead of placing one of these small, squishy, sugary sweets in front of your child, give them sweet potatoes that are cut out to look like bunnies, eggs, or chicks. You can even add some cinnamon for added sweetness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cadbury Eggs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The epitome of Easter candy is the Cadbury Egg. Chocolate on the outside with a cr\u00e8me, sugary filling on the inside, it is exactly what the bacterium in your mouth wants so that it can feed and eventually break down the enamel of your teeth. Its ingredients not only harm your smile but can also expand your waistline and lead to serious health problems. Swap out these edible eggs for the deviled kind that contain natural, healthy ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to Easter candy, having one or two pieces will not hurt you as long as you drink plenty of water and practice good oral hygiene habits immediately after consuming. Enjoy your holiday this year in moderation. Your smile will thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author
<\/strong>Dr. Mariliza LaCap believes you can enjoy a sweet treat now and then but consuming too much of what appears to be a \u201cgood\u201d thing can do more harm to your smile than you think. With more than two decades of experience working in the oral healthcare field, she completed her Aesthetic Advantage Certification at New York University and went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University School of Dental & Oral Surgery, graduating in the top 10% of her class. At Washington Dental Associates, she and her team want to help you navigate the holidays, which is why you are free to contact us<\/a> at (201) 453-4863<\/strong> if you\u2019d like some helpful tips to minimize the risk of dental decay caused by too many Easter candies.<\/p>\n\n