Easter is filled with egg hunts, family fun, and festive treats—but not all candies are created equal when it comes to your oral health. To keep your smile healthy this season, it helps to understand what we’re calling the sugar showdown.

High-Risk Easter Sweets

Some candies do more damage than others. Sticky options like taffy, jelly beans, and marshmallow candies hang around on your teeth, feeding the bacteria that cause decay. Sour candies are equally harmful, combining sugar with acids that weaken tooth enamel.

Tooth-Friendly Alternatives

Solid chocolate—especially dark chocolate—is a far safer choice. It melts quickly, making it less likely to stick to teeth or linger in your mouth. Chocolate-covered nuts or peanut butter treats provide extra flavor and crunch without the long-term dental consequences of stickier options.

Healthy Habits for a Healthier Smile

To enjoy treats while protecting your teeth, eat candy right after a meal when saliva helps rinse away sugar. Follow up with water to flush out lingering particles, and make brushing and flossing part of your daily routine—especially before bed. Try to avoid snacking on candy throughout the day, as it prolongs sugar exposure and raises your risk of cavities.

With the right choices and a few extra habits, you can enjoy your favorite holiday sweets without losing the sugar showdown.

Celebrate the season with confidence—schedule your spring dental checkup at Doering Family Dental and keep your smile bright all year long! Call us in Tampa, FL at 813-590-6649 for an appointment or schedule online.