How Sour Candy Affects Your Teeth
by Dr. Monica Contract, DMD
WHY ARE CERTAIN CANDIES so bad for our teeth? One reason is all that sugar, of course. We know that. Here’s something you may not think about as often… Many popular treats include the descriptors tart, tangy, and sour. It seems the more bitter, the better.
Trouble is, our teeth are paying the price for this sour trend and we continue to see the damage.
Acid Erodes Our Teeth
A pH scale shows where substances are on a spectrum from base to acidic. 14–12 is really base, and 2–0 is really acidic.
A nice, neutral pH level of 7 is ideal for your mouth. When you eat acidic foods the pH level lowers. This can create a hostile, enamel-eroding environment for your teeth. No sugar (or plaque) is necessarily needed for an “acid attack” to be damaging.
Let’s Break It Down
Our tooth enamel can start to erode at a pH level of 4. Spree, a relatively mild sour candy, has a pH level of 3, Sour Skittles 2.2, and WarHeads Spray 1.6. That’s pretty shocking when you consider battery acid has a pH level of 1.0.
The Sad Signs Of Erosion
The acid in sour candy can really take a toll on our teeth and may even cause:
- Sensitivity
- Translucence at the biting edge of your teeth
- Increased cavities due to weakened enamel
Be Smart
Chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva flow for cleansing. Swishing water around in your mouth can also help. Still, the smartest thing you can do is to stop eating tart candies, or eat them very sparingly. They’re treats, not snacks.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about your oral health or any of the special challenges we’ve talked about above, be sure to ask us! There are lots of easy ways to connect with us—and we promise to be very responsive! You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/williamsburgdentist , you can email us at appts@wmbgsmiles.com, or you can call us at 757-220-6727.
1130 Old Colony Lane, Suite 100 • Williamsburg, VA 23185 • (757) 220-6727
About the Author
Dr. Monica Contract was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Contract then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine from which she graduated second in her class with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD).
In 2010, Dr. Contract completed a General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this residency, she received advanced dental training in most of the dental specialties and developed the skills necessary to treat medically compromised patients.
Dr. Contract moved to the Williamsburg area in 2010 and has had the pleasure of working at Williamsburg Smiles ever since. At her office, Dr. Contract utilizes the latest technology including a dental laser, modern sterilization, one-visit in-office whitening, computerized operatories, intraoral cameras, and digital radiography. Additionally, each treatment room offers cable TV and DVD movies for patient enjoyment.
As a general dentist, Dr. Contract provides comprehensive care for her patients including white fillings, sealants, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and Invisalign clear braces. Additionally, she is recognized for her adept skill in providing pediatric dentistry, implant treatment, extractions, dentures and partial dentures.
Dr. Contract is active in numerous professional and community affairs. She enjoys being an Assistant Professor at Thomas Nelson Community College, where she teaches the anesthesia curriculum for their dental hygiene program. She is involved with Give Kids a Smile and serves as a team captain for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. In addition to practicing dentistry, Dr. Contract enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their two dogs Henry and Zena. She is an avid reader and enjoys playing tennis, biking and traveling.
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