Easter is almost here, and no doubt your child is looking forward to all the candy that comes with it. But as a parent, you need to be careful; letting your little one overindulge on sugary treats could lead to cavities and other serious dental issues later down the line. Keeping an eye on what your child is eating is just as important for protecting their oral health as routine dental checkups and cleanings. To keep your child’s smile safe, try to limit their exposure to the following 4 common Easter candies.
1. Jellybeans
When filling Easter eggs with candy, jellybeans are a popular choice thanks to their small size. Unfortunately, they are primarily made of sugar, which harmful oral bacteria can turn into acid that gradually eats away at the enamel, ultimately causing cavities. On top of that, chewing on jellybeans has the potential to dislodge any sealants that have been applied to protect your child’s back teeth.
2. Marshmallow Peeps
Marshmallow peeps are cute to look at, but like jellybeans, they contain high amounts of sugar. On top of that, they are also very sticky, which means they can cling to the teeth for quite a while. This gives the bacteria in your child’s mouth more time to feed on the sugar that they contain.
3. Hard Candies
Lollipops and other hard candies can be harmful to your child’s teeth in two different ways. Trying to bite down on these treats can end up chipping or cracking enamel. On the other hand, if your child simply lets the hard candy melt in their mouth as intended, they will essentially be bathing their teeth in sugar for an extended period.
4. Large Chocolate Bunnies
Have you made a tradition of giving your child a chocolate bunny every Easter? If so, you may want to think twice about giving them an especially large one. Oversized chocolate bunnies are generally eaten over a long period of time. Consequently, this means that your child’s teeth will spend more time exposed to the sugar that can eventually lead to tooth decay.
What are Some Sugar-Free Options for Your Child’s Easter Basket?
It’s often a good idea to reduce the amount of candy in your child’s Easter basket in order to protect their teeth. Try adding more smile-friendly alternatives such as sugar-free gum, cheddar bunnies, and graham crackers. Additionally, if you do give your child chocolate, dark chocolate can be a better choice than milk chocolate since it doesn’t contain as much sugar.
There’s nothing wrong with letting your child enjoy a little bit of candy. Just be mindful of what kind of sweets they consume and how much they have. Moderation is critical when it comes to keeping your child’s smile safe from cavities!
About the Author
Dr. Gilberto López has more than 30 years of experience as a dentist. He earned his dental degree at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, and he belongs to the River Valley Dental Association and other dental organizations. He welcomes children and adults alike for routine checkups, cleanings, and other important dental services. To schedule a consultation at New Smile Dental: Gilberto López, DDS in Fort Smith, visit our website or call (479) 434-4277.