1. Avoid snacking on candy, as well as drinking sugary beverages, throughout the day. Instead enjoy these treats after mealtimes, as increased saliva production from a meal will help prevent tooth decay.
2. Be wary of chewy candies like taffy, which stick to your teeth longer than chocolate, and hard candies that take longer to consume. The longer a sugary food is in your mouth, the higher the risk for tooth decay.
3. Choose sugarless gum as a candy alternative, as chewing sugarless gum after meals helps reduce tooth decay by increasing saliva flow that helps to wash out food and dental plaque bacteria.
4. Balance out the increase of sugary candies by avoiding sugary beverages such as sodas and sports drinks. Instead drink fluoridated water which can help reduce cavities by 20 to 40 percent.
5. Eating foods that are calcium-rich (such as leafy greens, cheese and almonds) and protein-rich (such as meat, eggs, fish and beans) can help rebuild tooth enamel and bone.
