Short Term Impact Of Candy



Delta Dental reports, “Close to 9 billion dollars was spent on Halloween candy. It flooded the isles of the stores weeks prior and is left the shelves to end up in your home on the shelf.” Children consume over 100 pieces of candy in the first few weeks after Halloween. While candy in moderation isn’t necessarily the problem, candy does have an impact on children’s teeth.

Candy has both short and long-term impact on children’s teeth and the health of their bodies, and not all candy is created equal. While sticky treats tend to stay on the teeth longer, this increases the opportunity for decay and plaque to attack the enamel and cause cavities. 

The longer that candy is on the surface of the teeth, the greater the impact. Dr. Cameron Fuller suggests, "ff your children do consume a food that is sticky or any high sugar foods, it is important that they brush right away to remove debris from the surface of the teeth." This lessens the opportunity for decay and cavities.

Debris left stuck between the teeth can cause gingivitis or periodontal disease if not removed.  Gums may begin to bleed, be red or swollen. Flossing is the only way to remove food and sweets from between the teeth. And keep in mind, food left long-term on the gum line can lead to other problems later on.

Help your kids make healthy choices and substitute the candy for a healthier alternative.
Contact Dr. Fuller& his team today for more information on healthy eating.

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