Did you know you mouth’s pH level can be deregulated by the introduction of extremely acidic snacks, such as sour candy? If the pH level drops in your mouth, enamel loss can occur. With the addition of dangerous sugars to compound this effect, you have the perfect storm for tooth decay and cavities. Here are a few more facts about sour candy:
– The pH in sour candies is especially destructive to the dental enamel of children, who have immature dental enamel, and tend to consume larger quantities of the treats.
– Enamel is the hardest material in the human body, but the acidity of sour candy is so strong, it has the power to strip away the precious enamel protecting your teeth.
– Sucking on sour candy increases the risk of tooth decay and enamel loss.
– Citric acid, which is prevalent in many foods and beverages, including sour treats, has been proven to be twice as destructive to dental enamel as nitric acid and even hydrochloric acid.
– Your teeth begin to decalcify at pH levels below 4.0. Many sour treats are far more acidic, and can go as low as 1.6. For comparison, battery acid has a pH level of 1.0.
– Even brushing before and after eating highly acidic sour candies can lead to decalcification.
Be sure to exercise caution this Halloween when it comes to your treats. If you would like to know more, we welcome you to consult our ‘fangtastic’ dental practitioners at Stephen Huber. If you would like to make an appointment, please call us at 913-543-3751, or stop by our office in Leawood, Kansas.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!