When the holiday season approaches, you may wonder whether you can enjoy Christmas candy with Invisalign aligners in your mouth. First and foremost, it’s important to avoid eating anything, including candy when your aligners are in. Otherwise, you may damage or discolor them.
Secondly, you should only eat candy in moderation, even if you take your aligners out. Too much candy and sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. It may also increase your risk for cavities and gum disease.
Thirdly, it’s in your best interest to be selective about the type of candy you eat as not all Christmas candy is created equal. To make your life easier, we’ve created a list of the best and worst candy for teeth below.
Best Candy for Teeth
Some candy is better for your teeth than other candy. When you’re craving something sweet this holiday season, these options should be on your radar.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a good option because it washes off the teeth easily. Unlike most candy, it doesn’t linger to cause cavities and gum damage. Dark chocolate is ideal because it has less sugar than milk chocolate and white chocolate. Believe it or not, some studies state that dark chocolate can actually be good for your teeth as it offers elements that can harden enamel and fight plaque.
Sugar-Free Candy
Candy is bad for teeth because it usually contains sugar. The good news is there are sugar-free options on the market. Sugar-free candy is free of sugar, which stimulates bacteria growth in the mouth. It can also help with saliva production and wash the mouth of bacteria and plaque. Keep in mind, however, that sugar-free candy still has a downside. It’s usually made of sugar substitutes which are bad for your teeth.
Candy with Nuts
Nuts break up the stickiness of candy, reducing the risk of cavities so they are definitely on our “good list.” They’re also good sources of fiber and protein, which are ideal for your overall health. If you make any sweet treats this holiday season, adding nuts can be an effective way to prevent the sugar from sticking to your teeth.
Worst Candy for Your Teeth
Unfortunately, there are many sugar filled options that can easily harm your teeth. We suggest you stay away from this type of candy.
Sticky Candy
Sticky candy can easily cause cavities. That’s because it’s tough to remove and will linger on your teeth for a while. If you crave a sugary treat, try to choose a less sticky option. Fresh fruit is a great idea because it will give you the sweet taste you crave without all the extra sugar and stickiness.
Hard Candy
Candy canes, lollipops, and other hard candy require you to suck. When you suck on candy, it stays in your mouth for longer and exposes your teeth to more sugar. Hard candy can also break or chip your teeth if you bite down. Try to choose softer options instead.
Contact Sims Orthodontics Today
If you have further questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule an appointment at our Pensacola office, don’t hesitate to call us at 850-477-7715. We look forward to hearing from you!