Ah, Valentine’s Day—the time for romantic gestures, heartfelt expressions, and, of course, sweet treats. While indulging in candy is a fun tradition during this holiday, not all Valentine’s Day candies are created equal when it comes to your oral health. Some treats can wreak havoc on your teeth, causing cavities, enamel erosion, and other issues. But what are you supposed to do?
Continue reading to learn the worst Valentine candies for your oral health and some tooth-friendly alternatives.
The Bad: Conversation Hearts
Unfortunately, colorful, and chalky conversation hearts are packed with sugar and offer little nutritional value. The hard texture of these candies can also pose a risk to your teeth, especially if you bite down too hard. While nostalgic, you’re going to have to let these go!
The Alternative: If you want a tooth-friendly treat with a great crunch, hummus with celery, carrots, and broccoli fleurets may be the answer. These fiber-rich veggies taste great and clean your teeth as you eat!
The Bad: Sticky Sweets
Caramel-filled chocolates, chewy gummies, and sticky taffy are popular choices for Valentine’s Day, but they’re also among the worst candies for your teeth. These sticky treats adhere to your teeth and linger in the cracks, providing the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to multiply.
The Alternative: Do you need a slightly sticky treat that’s great for your oral health? Then cheese is your answer. Try setting up a Valentine’s charcuterie board with decadent cheeses, lean meats, and whole-grain crackers. Cheese coats your teeth and some types can fight bad oral bacteria!
The Bad: Sour Candies
While sour candies may tang your taste buds, they can be especially harmful to your teeth. The not-so-secret ingredient to make the perfect sour candy is citric acid. This chemical is highly corrosive for the enamel of your teeth and can cause sensitivity or even ulcers on your tongue or gums.
The Alternative: Looking for a tangy treat that’s a bit sweet? Dark chocolate covered strawberries may be just what you need. Dark chocolate has less sugar and more antioxidants than milk chocolate and will easily melt off your teeth. The sweet and slightly sour strawberry is a fine replacement for a cavity-causing sticky candy. If strawberries aren’t your thing, a granny smith apple might be even better!
While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a sweet treat or two on Valentine’s Day, it’s important to be mindful of your oral health. Instead of immediately reaching for sugary candies that can harm your teeth, consider these healthier alternatives! By making smart choices, you can indulge in the spirit of Valentine’s Day while still protecting your smile.
About the Author
Valentine’s Day is full of sugary temptations, and if you must give in then Dr. Karl Arakelian can help get your oral health back together afterward. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and has now been a dentist for over 30 years. Dr. Arakelian continues to expand his skills with over a thousand hours of additional training through the SPEAR Education Study Club. Call (978) 373-0901 to schedule an appointment at Karl Arakelian, DMD or visit the website to explore other services they offer.
