mayda Ferguson, DDS
Easter is just around the corner. Even though it is pretty much on a different day each year, you know when it is coming around because the aisles of your local grocery store begin to fill up with candy. Even though having a piece of candy once in a while doesn’t usually do much harm, especially with excellent oral hygiene, if you are indulging too much, you could end up with some oral health issues on your hands. Continue reading to learn which sweets you should go easy on this Easter and what you should have instead.
What Easter Treats Should You Avoid?
- Peeps: In addition to having a whole bunch of added sugar, Peeps contain many different dyes, including Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6. If one thing is for certain, you don’t want to have a smile that is a tint of yellow. Canary colored Peeps are cute, but discoloration and tooth decay are not. To avoid the need for dental work and treatments, go easy on the Peeps.
- Chocolate Bunnies: This is pretty much a staple of easter. Everyone loves chocolate, especially when it is in the shape of a cute bunny. However, chocolate contains a lot of sugar that will cause you to develop cavities in the long run. Have a piece on occasion, but overall, chocolate is probably something that you should be avoiding.
- Cadbury Eggs: Cadbury creme eggs are one of the most popular treats that you can find during this time of the year, but they can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. In addition to all of the sugary chocolate on the outside, their filling also contains corn syrup. When consumed too often, this could even mean diabetes and heart disease.
- Jellybeans: These chewy, sweet candies are never absent during Easter. They are filled with sugar and are sticky. This means that they also adhere to the teeth, increasing the damage that they cause. They may be fun to eat, but your teeth don’t think so.
Which Easter Foods Are Better Options?
- Dark Chocolate: The good news is that not all chocolate is bad. If you want this type of treat, choose a dark one instead. They contain less sugar but still have that delicious cacao flavor that you are looking for.
- Deviled Eggs: They may be on the savory side, but they are still a delicious snack. It is also a great way to make use of all the boiled eggs that your family colored.
- Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds: For a crunchy treat, try dark chocolate covered almonds. They are good for you and aren’t nearly as harmful for your smile.
This Easter, have fun, but don’t put your smile in harms way. By being mindful, you can keep your oral health in excellent shape going forward.
About the Author
Dr. Mayda Ferguson is an experience dentist who has been working in the field for over two decades. She earned her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and is constantly working to stay current on all of the latest dental techniques and technology. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment at her office in Metairie, visit her website or call (504) 833-2220.
