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It’s no secret that a lot of candy is going to be eaten in the coming days. The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is sharing pointers on how to enjoy your treats, while causing as little damage as possible to your pearly whites.
Follow these tips and it could prevent a horror story from happening in your mouth.
Hits
Chocolate – Plain chocolate is sugary, but it dissolves quickly, so it’s less damaging to teeth.
Nuts – Healthy and tasty, nuts contain vitamins and minerals that help teeth stay strong.
Cheese – Nibbling on cheese is good for your teeth, because it neutralizes cavity-causing acid and increases saliva, which is your mouth’s way of keeping clean.
Water – A swish of water after eating sweets is a great way to cleanse your mouth and wash away sugar.
Timing – The best time to eat your treats is after a meal, because you’ll be too full to over-indulge on them. Plus, peak saliva flow will help flush out the sugary residue.
Misses
Hard candy, jaw breakers and lollipops – These candies take a long time to break down and they marinate your teeth in sugar. They’re also hard and have been known to chip teeth and dislodge braces.
Caramels, raisins and fruit strips – Their sticky consistency clings to teeth and that can lead to cavities.
Chips – These get stuck on and in between your teeth and cause cavities if they’re left to sit too long.
Brushing after you eat – Eating softens tooth enamel so wait 30 minutes before brushing and flossing.
