Valentine’s Day is one of the sweetest holidays of the year — literally. While everyone loves a nice gift, one surprise no one wants is the need for restorative dentistry. Yet, with the abundance of sugary sweets that abound on this holiday, it’s not uncommon to develop some dental concerns.

There are ways to prevent your loved one from dealing with this problem, even if you do love surprising them with something delicious on Valentine’s Day. Here are the candies to avoid if you’re focused on keeping their smile clean and bright throughout the year:

• Sticky Candy: Chewy and sticky candies can be hard on teeth. More often than not, the candy ends up stuck between the teeth or directly on them. Even with vigorous brushing, it can be difficult to remove the remnants of sticky, stubborn candy. The mouth’s bacteria are naturally drawn to the sugar, leading to potential acid erosion of the teeth. Combined with the lingering effects of sugar on teeth, this could spell major problems for those pearly whites.
• Hard Candy: While lollipops and traditional hard candies are extremely popular, they can also prove harmful to teeth. Dentists suggest the longer anything sweet stays in the mouth, the more potential the sugar has to damage teeth.
• Sour Candy: It may be delicious, but sour candy can take its toll on the teeth. Not only do they contain sugar, but they’re also highly acidic. This is a strong combination — the acid can cause wear and tear on the teeth, while the sugar can cause plaque to develop. Over time, cavities and other issues might become a concern, and this could lead to a need for restorative dentistry.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t treat your special someone to something indulgent on Valentine’s Day. Consider a fruit basket or a lower-sugar treat. If sugar is part of the occasion, take a tip from dentists and drink plenty of water during and after consumption.

Michael Helmbrecht DDS provides reliable restorative dentistry services to residents of Fairbanks, AK. Whether you’re seeking a new dentist, require a root canal, or would like to improve your smile through the wonders of cosmetic dentistry, these dental experts will help. Visit their website to learn more, or call (907) 456-1237 today. You can also find the team on Facebook and Twitter.