An article on Marketwatch.com tells us that the California Dental Hygienists’ Association is recommending everyone stay away from sour candy this Halloween. Apparently, the tasty treats contain acid levels that rival the pH of battery acid. In the article, parents are warned that “sour” equals “acid.” Furthermore, consumers should particularly stay away from citric, lactic, malic, tartaric, fumaric, adipic, and ascorbic acids when purchasing sweets for Halloween. All you need to do is read the labels to determine what’s in any packaged food product.
As a dentist, you know that the colas, energy drinks, and sour candy kids consume in mass quantities have made enamel erosion a major dental problem for this generation of kiddos. It is advised to rinse the mouth well with water – but don’t brush teeth – right after eating sour candy. There are a number of tasty sugarless candies on the market to choose from. As an involved dentist, you can provide a public service by making your patients aware of the good and bad options they have for Halloween candy this year.