Holidays like Valentine’s Day are the perfect time to make a special someone feel extra special, but sometimes traditional holiday treats aren’t the easiest on our health, especially for those who have underlying health conditions. When choosing Valentine’s Day candy, it’s important to keep in mind your valentine’s health, including your dental health. Here are some helpful tips.

Healthy Valentine’s Day Candy?

You would be hard-pressed to find a candy that could be considered a “health food,” but it is possible when choosing Valentine’s Day candy to select candies that are healthier for your teeth than others may be.

For example, chewy candy can be the toughest on your dental health due to its tendency to leave behind a sticky residue on your teeth that can linger long afterwards. Hard candy can also be hard on your teeth because of how long it takes to eat it compared with softer candies, allowing the sugar much more time to impact your teeth negatively.

On the other hand, chocolate is one of the better candies for your dental health. Chocolate melts in your mouth, so not only is it delicious, but it washes away much more easily and is less likely to leave behind a sugary residue after you enjoy it. Sugar-free candies are also an excellent choice and they come in a colorful array of flavors and options to choose from.

Should You Avoid Sugar?

You may have heard that sugar is bad for your teeth or your overall health, so should you avoid sugar completely when choosing Valentine’s Day candy?

Sugar itself isn’t bad, but it can negatively impact your teeth because of how it reacts with the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth to produce an acid that can erode the enamel (or outer surface) of your teeth.

It’s usually ok to enjoy sugar in moderation, if you eat healthy otherwise and make sure to take good care of your teeth by brushing well and visiting your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, avoiding sugar can be helpful for those who struggle with health conditions such as diabetes that can be negatively impacted by small amounts of sugar.

Enjoy Celebrating

When choosing Valentine’s Day candy, it can begin to feel complicated, but the important thing is to make your valentine feel special by showing that you care. Just do your best! Enjoy celebrating your special someone by making them smile.

Call our Woodward Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.