Worst Candy To Eat if You Have Fillings
As we head into the holiday season, you may find your kids’ candy consumption goes way up. Yours may increase, too. What are the best and worst candies to eat if you or your kids have dental fillings? We don't recommend eating any candy but understand that it is hard to avoid this time of year.
It’s Candy Season
Fall and winter are full of opportunities to eat sweet, gooey, or crunchy candy. First, there’s Halloween, when we spend more than $2 billion on candy each year. After that, we face Christmas, Hanukkah, and the other December holidays.
According to the food blog Delish, Americans spend more than $1 billion on candy canes and chocolate Santa Claus candies every holiday season. That’s a lot of holiday sweetness, and it doesn’t consider the gift baskets, candy bowls, Advent calendars, and other chances to eat candy.
Can Candy Damage Your Fillings?
Today’s fillings are highly advanced compared to the fillings you got as a kid when your dentist probably warned you to avoid certain candies. Despite these advances, your fillings are still vulnerable to being pulled out by the wrong foods.
The stickiness of candy makes it dangerous to fillings. It’s also what makes it more likely to cause cavities. The stickiness makes the sugar sit longer on your teeth, and that sugar turns into decay.
Here are some candies to avoid if you have dental fillings and if you want to avoid cavities.
Sticky, chewy candies: Taffy, soft toffee, chewy caramels, and licorice are the most damaging foods you can eat with fillings. These candies stick to your fillings like glue. When you chew them, they create a powerful suction that can yank your fillings loose. They also drive sugar deep into the nooks and crannies around your teeth.
Dried fruit: This popular ingredient in fruit cakes and other goodies is almost as bad as the chief culprits above. Dried fruit is high in sugar and can be very sticky. Try to avoid it if you have fillings.
Gummies: Like toffee and licorice, gummies can stick to teeth. Gummies have become popular ways to take vitamins and other supplements. Try to choose alternative ways to take those supplements if you have dental restorations.
Chewing gum: Chewing gum is great for salivary stimulation and fresh breath. We recommend that you always choose to chew a sugarless gum
Which Candies Are OK To Eat?
While we don't endorse the excess intake of sugar - as it can lead to cavities - these may be a little easier on your teeth.
Hard candies: Hard candies come in a huge variety of flavors, including fruits, butterscotch, mint, and creamy blends. Candy canes and holiday peppermints fit this category.
Sweeten your holidays with hard candies, but avoid biting them. Breaking the hard surface can be hard on your teeth. Let them melt in your mouth.
Chocolate: Soft, creamy chocolate is fine to eat with fillings. Go ahead, enjoy those chocolate Santas and the rest, but avoid chocolates with soft, chewy fillings.
Chocolate with nuts or crispy fillings are a good choice if you want to decrease your chances of getting cavities. Firm fillings help break up the stickiness of the chocolate.
Enjoy a Healthy Holiday Season
At Malan Family Dentistry, we know you want to enjoy occasional sweet treats and other holiday goodies. If you’re concerned about your fillings or any dental issue, call us to make an appointment. We provide outstanding dental care for everyone in your family.
