Most dentists will agree there are few, if any, substitutes amongst sugary sweets that can be beneficial for your teeth, but there some that are worse than others. For example, candy that lingers on your teeth, such as hard or sticky candies, can be more detrimental to your oral health care, than say chocolate, which can be washed away much easier. However, sour candy is one of the biggest culprits for enamel loss, due to its extremely acidic nature. Here are a few facts in relation to sour candy:
– Enamel is the hardest material in the human body, but the acidity of sour candy is so strong, it has the power to strip away the precious enamel protecting your teeth.
– Citric acid, which is prevalent in many foods and beverages, including sour treats, has been proven to be twice as destructive to dental enamel as nitric acid and even hydrochloric acid.
– Your teeth begin to decalcify at pH levels below 4.0. Many sour treats are far more acidic and can go as low as 1.6. For comparison, battery acid has a pH level of 1.0.
– Sucking on sour candy increases the risk of tooth decay and enamel loss.
– Even brushing before and after eating highly acidic sour candies can lead to decalcification.
– The pH in sour candies is especially destructive to the dental enamel of children, who have immature dental enamel, and tend to consume larger quantities of the treats.
Stop by to get an oral exam from our qualified dentists at Sedona Dental Arts. If you would like to make an appointment, please call us at 928-282-1514, or stop by our office in Sedona, Arizona.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!