Easter is nearly here, so there’s all sorts of different candies and other treats available at your local supermarket. Having one of these sweets from time to time doesn’t usually do too much damage, but overindulging can cause you to develop oral health issues and even experience a dental emergency! Continue reading to learn which Easter treats you should avoid, and what you may want to munch on instead for the sake of your smile.
Which Easter Candies Should You Avoid?
Here are a few seasonal treats that you should definitely only consume in moderation:
- Peeps: In addition to having a whole bunch of added sugar, Peeps contain many different dyes, including Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. If one thing is for certain, you don’t want to have a smile that is a tint of yellow. Canary colored Peeps are cute, but discoloration and tooth decay are not. To avoid the need for dental work and treatments, go easy on the Peeps.
- Chocolate Bunnies: This is pretty much a staple of easter. Everyone loves chocolate, especially when it is in the shape of a cute bunny. However, chocolate contains a lot of sugar that will cause you to develop cavities in the long run. Have a piece on occasion, but overall, chocolate is probably something that you should be avoiding.
- Cadbury Eggs: Cadbury creme eggs are one of the most popular treats that you can find during this time of the year, but they can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. In addition to all of the sugary chocolate on the outside, their filling also contains corn syrup. When consumed too often, this could even mean diabetes and heart disease.
- Jellybeans: These chewy, sweet candies are never absent during Easter. They are filled with sugar and are sticky. This means that they also adhere to the teeth, increasing the damage that they cause. They may be fun to eat, but your teeth don’t think so.
3 Healthier Springtime Treats
Here are some items that you may see that won’t have as negative of an impact on your smile:
- Dark Chocolate: The good news is that not all chocolate is bad. If you want this type of treat, choose a dark one instead. They contain less sugar but still have that delicious cacao flavor that you are looking for.
- Deviled Eggs: They may be on the savory side, but they are still a delicious snack. It is also a great way to make use of all the boiled eggs that your family colored.
- Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds: For a crunchy treat, try dark chocolate covered almonds. They are good for you and aren’t nearly as harmful for your smile.
This Easter – have fun! But you shouldn’t put your smile at risk. By being mindful and making smart decisions, you may be able to prevent a dental emergency!
About the Author
Dr. Mark E. Lawton is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 20 years! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School and is an active member of Spear Study Club. Each year, he exceeds the required state continuing education requirements several times over. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Houston, visit his website or call (281) 447-2186.