Easter’s right around the corner! For those who celebrate, sweets are practically unavoidable this weekend, but here’s some info that’ll help you make the right choices to keep your teeth healthy.
Chocolate
Simple chocolate treats wash off the teeth better than most other types of candy, making it an ideal choice as far as sweets go. As we mentioned in our Valentine’s Day blog, dark chocolate — in moderation, of course — can even benefit your teeth by producing antioxidants that curb the formation of plaque.
Sticky Candy
Creme Eggs are an Easter staple, but they’re super sticky and leave residue on the teeth. Be sure to rinse that gooey goodness away as soon as possible if you can’t help but indulge!
Hard Candy
Treats like lollipops tend to stay in the mouth longer, giving harmful sugars plenty of time to do their dirty work. Sour candies are particularly acidic, so it might be a good idea to leave those aside this year.
For the Kiddos
If you’re worried about your kids’ dental health during the holiday season, you could focus their attention away from sweets and toward games and activities, like coloring books, toys, or egg decorating. If Easter basket hunting is an important part of your celebrations, you don’t have to fill those baskets with just tooth-rotting treats; consider tossing in some healthier alternatives as well, like carrots or even chocolate-covered strawberries!
One Last Tip
Though it might be tempting to brush immediately after eating, it’s important to wait at least a half hour before doing so! This allows the enamel of your teeth to re-harden after the softening caused by the acids from your sugary treats. It’s best to simply rinse out your mouth with water before you get a chance to brush and floss.
Happy Easter!
