The Best Valentine's Day Candy for Your Teeth

Ah, Valentine's Day. A day for love, romance...and candy. Lots and lots of candy. If you're like most people, you probably have a few favorite Valentine's Day candies that you look forward to every year. But did you know that not all candy is created equal when it comes to your teeth? In fact, some types of candy can do more harm than good. So before you load up on sweets this Valentine's Day, read on to find out which candies are best (and worst) for your teeth.

Look for Something That's Easy on Your Teeth

When it comes to Valentine's Day candy, there are a few things you should look for to ensure it won't do too much damage to your teeth. For starters, steer clear of anything that's overly sticky or chewy. Sticky sweets tend to cling to your teeth, which gives bacteria more time to feed on the sugar and produce cavities. Chewy candy can be just as bad, as it puts extra stress on your tooth enamel and can even cause cracks. 

Another thing to watch out for is hard candy. While it may not stick around as long as other types of candy, hard candy puts you at risk for chipped or cracked teeth if you bite down too hard. And of course, sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices can also do a number on your teeth if you're not careful. So, what should you eat instead? 

The Best Sweet Treats for Your Teeth

Chocolate

Let's start with the good news: chocolate is one of the best sweets you can eat for your teeth! That's right, contrary to popular belief, some chocolate is actually good for your pearly whites—particularly dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is packed with tooth-friendly ingredients like cacao and cocoa butter, which help to keep your teeth healthy and strong. It also contains less sugar than milk chocolate or white chocolate. And like chocolate with nuts or other crunchy toppings, dark chocolate can actually help scrub away plaque and bacteria from your teeth. So go ahead and indulge in a few pieces of dark chocolate this Valentine's Day—your teeth will thank you for it!

Sugar-Free Gum

If you're looking for a sweet treat that's also good for your teeth, sugar-free gum is the way to go. Chewing gum helps to increase saliva production, which in turn helps to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles from your teeth. Just make sure to choose sugar-free gum—sugar-sweetened gum can actually do more harm than good by increasing your risk of tooth decay.

Candy Bars with Nuts or Pretzels

Candy bars with nuts, pretzels, or other crunchy toppings can be a great alternative to traditional Valentine's Day candy. Not only do they provide a satisfying crunch, but the nuts and pretzels help to scrub away plaque from your teeth. Plus, these types of candy bars tend to have less sugar than other options, making them a healthier choice.

Candy Alternatives like Cheese, Nuts, or Pretzels

If you're looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without candy, don't worry—there are plenty of alternatives. Cheese is a great choice, as it's packed with calcium and helps neutralize plaque-forming acids in the mouth. Nuts such as almonds or walnuts also provide beneficial nutrients like phosphorus and magnesium that help promote healthy teeth and gums. Pretzels are a great alternative to sugary snacks because they're low in sugar and high in fiber. Fiber helps scrub away plaque while the hardness of pretzels can help strengthen tooth enamel. 

Candies to Avoid

Hard Candy

Hard candy may be a staple of Valentine's Day, but it's definitely not great for your teeth. In fact, hard candy is one of the worst things you can eat if you're looking to keep your teeth healthy. That's because hard candy takes longer to dissolve than other types of candy, which means it spends more time in contact with your teeth and has more opportunity to cause tooth decay.

Sour Candy

Sour candy is acidic, which can erode tooth enamel over time. The acidity also creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive, leaving you more vulnerable to cavities. Sour candy is also often loaded with sugar, which only increases your risk of tooth decay.

Sticky Candy

Sticky candy like caramels and gummies can be particularly damaging to your teeth. Not only do they contain lots of sugar, but their sticky texture makes them more likely to stick to your teeth and gums—and that means they're also more difficult to remove. Sticky candy can cause cavities if you don't brush or floss properly after eating it.

Lollipops

Lollipops are one of the worst offenders when it comes to Valentine's Day candy. They stick around in your mouth for a long time, which can attract bacteria and increase your risk of cavities. Plus, if you bite down too hard, you can end up with chipped or cracked teeth. So, while lollipops can be tempting, it's best to avoid them if you're trying to keep your teeth healthy.

Conclusion

This Valentine's Day, don't let dental concerns ruin your fun—just be sure to choose wisely when it comes to sweets. From dark chocolate and sugar-free gum to cheese, nuts, and pretzels, there are plenty of tooth-friendly treats to choose from. Show your teeth some love and make the right choice when it comes to your sweet treats!

If you have any questions about your dental health and to schedule your next check-up, contact Kanehl Dental today!