GREENSBORO, N.C. — Not all candies are created equal. Everyone likes different things in their Easter baskets. Dentists have an opinion on what should be in a basket too-- and no, they won't say that you should never eat candy! Below you'll see the breakdown of Easter candy, but that's not all we're talking about today on 2 Wants to Know at 5:30 pm.
Dr. Malik Johnson will be talking about the subjects below and taking your questions. You can text your question to 336-379-5775.
1. Brushing habits -- how to brush, how often, what toothpaste, what brushes
2. When to see the dentist? What ages? How often?
3. Things you can do to enhance your smile for the summer
4. New trends in dentistry along with charcoal, and that purple stuff you see on TikTok
WHY YOU SHOULD EAT YOUR EASTER CANDY ALL AT ONCE
“We recommend to parents, to get the Easter basket and give the kids a time limit. Let them eat as much as they want all at one time and then remove it so they're not snacking on it all day long. Have them brush and floss after they have it,” said Dr. Shelley Olson, NC Dental Society.
WHAT CANDY IS BEST FOR YOUR TEETH?
Dr. Olson says chocolate is the best when it comes to your teeth. It dissolves and washes away. It has a lower sugar content.
WHAT CANDY IS THE WORST FOR YOUR TEETH?
The sticky stuff. Gummies, jelly beans, Peeps, and sour candies are on the not-so-great list. She says lollipops shouldn't even be an option.
“Hard candies are sucked on and that just soaks your teeth in sugar for a prolonged period of time which isn't good. If you're like me, you want to bite them and that can cause fractures, chips, cracks, or breaks and nobody wants a crown for Easter,” said Olson.
BEST EASTER TREATS
Shop for sugarless gum and put that in the basket.
Chewing gum for 20 minutes can help reduce cavities. Look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal on the gum package to know you're buying the right kind.