Everyone knows that eating too much candy will rot your teeth. It’s also widely known that the human mouth is home to several types of bacteria. One type, Streptococcus, feeds on sugar. In the process, it produces acids that eat away at tooth enamel.
It takes time for the acids to affect the enamel which is why you’re always told to brush several times a day and to brush your teeth right after eating sweets. The longer sugars remain in your mouth, the more time bacteria have to eat them and produce acids.
The visible part of the teeth is generally safe since the acids get washed away when you brush your teeth or drink water. It’s the crevices and parts near the gum line that are most at risk. If a piece of candy gets stuck there, the bacteria have more time to feed on it.
What’s worse, candy, whether chewy or hard, can affect your braces by damaging the wire. This could cause pain to you and extend the length of your treatment time.
Sour candies are highly acidic, so they are also really bad for teeth. Candy of any sort provides the bacteria with a larger than usual supply of sugar. That means you eventually get a lot of bacteria producing a lot of acids.
Candies aren’t the only sweet things that cause problems. Sodas and juices that contain sugar wash over the whole mouth and thus get everywhere. They can stain your braces and leave behind sugars in places that are hard to reach with a tooth brush.
How to Prevent Decay
In order to prevent bacteria from damaging your teeth and braces, you need to deprive them of the time they need to do so. Brush your teeth three times a day or more, and floss your teeth daily. Also, it’s advantageous to rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
The best way to keep candy from damaging your braces is not to eat any, of course. Substitute soft drinks with a glass of water.
Runnels Orthodontics is dedicated to helping patients get the perfect smile. Our services range from braces procedures, Invisalign, AcceleDent™, and more. If you’re interested in braces or any orthodontics appliances, contact us. We will be happy to review your goals and schedule the right treatment plan to help you reach them. Contact us today to get started.
