Easter is just around the corner. Even though it is usually on a different day each year, you know when this occasion is coming up because the aisles of your local grocery store begin to fill up with candy. While having a piece of candy from time to time doesn’t usually do much harm, especially with excellent oral hygiene, people who indulge too much could end up with some oral health issues to address. Continue reading to learn from your pediatric dentist in Flower Mound which types of Easter candy you and your children should go easy on, plus some tooth-friendly alternatives, relatively speaking.
Which Easter Candies Could Be Trouble for Teeth?
- Cadbury Eggs: Cadbury Creme Eggs are one of the most popular treats you can find this time of the year, but they can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. In addition to all the sugary chocolate on the outside, their filling also contains corn syrup. When consumed too often, this could even mean diabetes and heart disease. Cadbury Caramel Eggs are nearly as popular and also problematic for teeth.
- Jellybeans: These chewy, sweet candies are never absent during Easter. They are filled with sugar and are sticky too. This means they adhere to teeth, increasing the potential for damage. They may be fun to eat, but your teeth won’t think so.
- Peeps: In addition to having a lot of added sugar, Peeps contain many different dyes, including Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. If one thing is certain, you don’t want to have a smile that is a shade of yellow. Canary-colored Peeps are cute, but discoloration and tooth decay are not. To avoid the need for dental work and whitening treatments, go easy on the Peeps.
- Chocolate Bunnies: These are a staple of Easter for many people. A lot of folks love milk chocolate, especially when it is in the shape of a cute bunny. However, chocolate contains a lot of sugar that can cause cavities in the long run. Maybe have an ear or a foot of this large treat on occasion, but overall, milk chocolate is probably something you should avoid.
What Are Easter Snacks That Take It Easier on Teeth?
- Dark Chocolate: The good news is not all chocolate is bad. If you want this type of treat, choose dark chocolate instead. It contains less sugar but still has that delicious cacao flavor you crave.
- Deviled Eggs: They may be on the savory side but are still a delicious snack. It is also a great way to make use of all the boiled eggs that your family has colored.
- Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds: For a crunchy treat, try dark chocolate-covered almonds. They are good for you and aren’t nearly as harmful to your smile.
This April, have fun but don’t put your family’s smiles in harm’s way. By switching up the Easter candy selections a bit and maintaining an oral hygiene regimen, everyone can keep their teeth in good standing going forward.
About the Author
Dr. Neil Dean has been working hard for the smiles of his patients for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and then his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at Texas A&M. He has been on the dental staff at Children’s Medical Center of Plano since 2004. If your child has some Easter candy favorites they often choose, you can ask Dr. Dean about them during your little one’s next checkup and cleaning which you can schedule on his website or by calling (972) 884-5450.
