Chocolate and love have an enticing fragrance. Before we know it, Valentine’s Day will be here, and there will be plenty of chocolate to go around. Store candy aisles now include anything from big chocolate hearts to sticky gummy pleasures. We eat our way through sweet pleasures until the last Easter Peep is gone, and Valentine’s Day appears to be the unofficial start of months of sugar binges.

Please don’t get us wrong. We also enjoy eating delicacies. If we didn’t warn you about the dangers of sugar on your child’s (and your) teeth, we wouldn’t be your favorite Houston area Orthodontics Practice! Don’t be alarmed, though. You can rely on us to be there for you when you require assistance. We’ll show you which Valentine’s Day candy is best for your teeth and how to limit your sugar consumption.

When bacteria in your mouth convert sugar to acid, the enamel of your teeth erodes, resulting in cavities. This degradation leads to tooth decay and cavities.

Sugar covers your teeth and gums in the same manner that any other meal coats your teeth and gums. Saliva will assist with some of it, but not all of it…especially the sticky, chewy, gummy stuff. Suckers and hard sweets are also tough on your teeth since they stay in your mouth for a long time and repeatedly press on the same teeth. Sugar feeds oral bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay if left on the teeth for too long.

We realize we won’t be able to persuade everyone to give up candy, but we can assist our parents in setting boundaries and making informed decisions. The sort of sweets supplied, as well as the amount of time they are given, are both important. We don’t want to take away from the fun. All that matters to us is that we don’t end up with cavities as a result of our revelry! So, how can you know which Valentine’s Day goodies are the healthiest?

1. Pick the right type of sweets. Soft chocolates are the best option because they melt quickly and are easy to get out of your teeth. Avoid sticky, hard, or gummy candy that adheres to your teeth for an extended amount of time.
2. Candy should only be consumed after a meal as a dessert. This will not only increase your odds of drinking water and draining sugar from your system, but it will also prevent sugar from bombarding your teeth throughout the day.
3. Hydrate. Drink plenty of water after each meal to assist the sugar leave your system. Staying hydrated also helps with saliva production, which is required for the removal of sugar and bacteria as well as maintaining dental health.
4. After a few minutes, brush and floss your teeth. It’s a good idea to brush your teeth after a sugary meal. Washing teeth that have been injured by acid attacks, which occur every time you eat, is not recommended. After 30 minutes, brushing allows minerals to re-deposit on the enamel and the pH of your mouth to restore to normal.
5. Sealants. Dental sealants are a cavity-prevention treatment in which a thin, protective covering is applied to the teeth to keep bacteria and food out. Sugar and bacteria are kept out of molar fissures and other hard-to-reach places of the teeth with sealants.
6. Don’t overlook the non-sugary options. We’re not saying you can’t have candy hearts and chocolate as part of your celebration, but don’t make candy the main prize. Remember that there is no such thing as the perfect Valentine’s Day candy for your teeth. We are all human beings, regardless of the circumstances. Now and then, we all like a piece of chocolate or some candies. Keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is only one day, not a month!