What Are The Best and Worst Easter Candy Options for Dental Health?

Easter is just around the corner, and children are already thinking about the treats that the Easter Bunny might deliver this year. For parents, understanding which candy options are better than others can be a challenge. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional piece of candy, it is important to understand that some candy choices are far more harmful to your teeth than others. The following information is provided by the team at Great Lakes Dental in the hopes of making this Easter a little healthier for you and your family.

The Worst of the Worst

When it comes to dental health, certain types of candy should be avoided whenever possible. Hard candies can cause a range of dental problems, especially when given to younger kids who won't have the discipline to refrain from biting down on them. Chewing or biting hard candy can lead to problems with filling, and can even cause cracking. For kids with braces, hard candies are at the top of the orthodontist's no-no list, no matter the season.

Another type of candy to avoid are those that are excessively chewy. Toffee-style candy can stick to fillings and other dental work, and the worst offenders can even loosen teeth. Chewy candies also tend to stick to the surface of teeth longer than other types, and that stuck-on sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Avoid High Sugar Content

Candy is supposed to be a sweet treat, but there are some brands that go overboard with the sugar content. When kids consume sugary candy, some of that sugar remains in their mouth and on the surface of their teeth. That can increase the risk of developing cavities. Of course, sugary candy is also bad for a child's general health. Fortunately, there are many different options available that are sweetened with fruit juice or are sugar-free.

Choose Dark Chocolate

What Easter basket would be complete without a chocolate bunny? There are many different options to choose from, but a bunny made from high-quality dark chocolate is a great choice. Dark chocolate has lower sugar than other types and also has antioxidant properties. To reduce calorie count and sugar content, choose a hollow bunny over a solid option.

Maintain Good Dental Habits

Above all else, the professionals at Great Lakes Dental would like to stress the importance of maintaining good dental practices, both at Easter and throughout the year. Proper brushing, drinking plenty of water and making wise nutrition choices will make both you, your kids and their dentist happy.