Minnesota Dental Association Warns Certain Candies May Haunt Teeth in the Future

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- This Halloween the Minnesota Dental Association advises treatgivers to make tooth-healthy choices and decline popular sour candy options – though they appear harmless, these treats may haunt teeth later on.

Candies promising a sweet and sour or "extreme sour" experience are very acidic. They can cause permanent erosion of the dental enamel on teeth, and may even lead to decay. The teeth can also become more sensitive when consuming hot, cold or sweet food and drinks.

Fortunately, a variety of healthy alternatives are available. Here are some tooth-healthy ideas:

• Sugarless gum
• Stickers
• Rubber spiders
• Small packets of crayons or markers
• Pencils with fun-shaped erasers
• Small charms
• Bags of trail mix or peanuts in the shell
• Juice boxes (100% juice)
• Small chocolate candies (without caramel or components that will stick to teeth)

If you have a trick-or-treater that does eat sour candy, suggest they eat cheese or drink milk afterwards, or swish their mouth with water, to neutralize the acids. Also, use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Most of all, protect teeth throughout the year by reducing or eliminating sour candies from your treat list.

The Minnesota Dental Association and its members are taking a national lead in educating parents, teachers and children with a campaign called The Power of Sour on Your Teeth.

Power of Sour Campaign

See Acid Levels

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 80% of practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. Learn more at: www.mndental.org.

SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association