The Easter Bunny will be hopping by to deliver baskets this weekend and if kids are lucky, they’re filled with sweet treats. As much as we love our Peeps and Cadbury Creme Eggs, they’re not so great for our teeth. But not all candies are created equal when it comes to preventing tooth decay, according to pediatric dentist Dr. Tansy Schoonmaker. She suggests swapping out some classic Easter candies for those on the safer side.
So which treats are on the “bad” list? Sticky sweets, including Sour Patch Kids, gummies, fruit snacks, Skittles and jelly beans are at the top. Dr. Schoonmaker warns sticky candy is some of the worst for your teeth because it’s tough to remove and stays on the teeth longer, which raises the risk for cavities. Another no-no? Lollipops and hard candies, since they last longer in the mouth and “create a breeding ground for cavities.”
But believe it or not, there are some Easter treats that aren’t so bad for your teeth. Dr. Schoonmaker suggests chocolate and dark chocolate as safer options because they contain less sugar. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs or Hershey’s Kisses make her “better” list, along with candy with nuts, which helps break down the stickiness, decreases the risk of cavities forming, and may even help break up some plaque on the teeth. Of course, the safest thing for your teeth is avoiding sweets altogether, but since that’s not realistic, brushing 30 minutes after eating them is ideal.
Source: Local SYR