Foods That Cause Cavities: Are Gummies More Dangerous Than Hard Candy?

When we think of snacks that are bad for our teeth, we usually think of hard candy or chocolate first.

Because they taste so sweet, they seem like they must be the worst for our teeth.

However, there is a food that has a higher cavity-causing index than hard candy.

It is gummies.

Gummies are a snack enjoyed not only by children but also by adults.

Since they are small and convenient, it is easy to pick up one or two at a time,

and before you know it, you may have finished an entire bag.

The problem is not just the sweetness of gummies.

Their sticky texture, which allows them to cling to teeth,

as well as the habit of chewing them for a long time, can increase the risk of cavities.

Today, we will look at which foods are most likely to cause cavities

and why gummies rank higher than hard candy.

Why do sugary foods cause cavities?

Eating sugary foods does not cause cavities immediately.

When bacteria break down the sugar left in the mouth, acid is produced.

If the teeth are repeatedly exposed to this acid, their surfaces weaken,

and cavities may develop over time.

That is why the number of times and the amount of time you eat sugary foods are just as important as the amount of sugar.

If you eat small amounts of sweet snacks throughout the day,

your teeth are exposed to acid more frequently.

When this is combined with the sticky properties of foods such as gummies or caramel,

food can remain in the mouth for a long time, creating an environment where cavities are more likely to develop.

The risk of cavities may also increase when brushing is inadequate,

food frequently gets stuck between the teeth,

or saliva production is low.

In the end, cavities are not caused by sweetness alone.

Snacking habits, the characteristics of the food, and daily oral care all play a role.

Which food has the highest cavity-causing index?

The food cavity-causing index is based on data from the Korean Dental Association.

It expresses the risk of cavities as a score by considering the amount of sugar in the food,

the amount of time it remains in the mouth,

and how easily it sticks to the teeth.

A higher number means that the food is more likely to cause cavities.

According to the data, gummies had the highest score at 48.

They were followed by caramel at 38, yeot at 36, strawberry jam at 31,

biscuits and snacks at 27, jeonbyeong at 25, and hard candy at 23.

Injeolmi and doughnuts scored 19, raisins scored 16, and chocolate scored 15.

What stands out here is that gummies received a higher score than hard candy or chocolate.

This means that cavities do not necessarily develop more easily in foods simply because they are sweeter.

However, these scores are reference data for comparing the characteristics of different foods.

Eating foods with lower scores frequently does not mean you are safe from cavities.

Conversely, even if you eat foods with higher scores,

controlling how often you eat them and brushing thoroughly can help reduce the risk of cavities.

Why are gummies worse for cavities?

Gummies contain a lot of sugar and have a sticky texture.

While chewing, they can easily get into the deep grooves of the molars or between the teeth,

and once they stick, saliva alone may not remove them easily.

In particular, if you chew gummies for a long time or eat one bag little by little over several hours,

the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar also increases.

As the acidic environment in the mouth recurs, the tooth surface is more likely to weaken.

If you are concerned about cavities in children, rather than banning gummies altogether,

it is better to set limits on when and how much they can eat.

Discourage the habit of continually picking at them while studying or watching videos,

and set a specific snack time so they eat them at once and finish.

Is chocolate okay because it has a lower score?

The fact that chocolate has a lower cavity-causing index than gummies

does not mean that it is okay to eat it without limits.

Eating chocolate with a lot of added sugar frequently,

or repeatedly failing to brush after eating it, can lead to cavities.

The same applies to hard candy.

If you let hard candy dissolve in your mouth for a long time,

it extends the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar.

Caramel and yeot can easily stick to the teeth,

so they may not come off easily even when brushing.

In the end, rather than singling out one or two foods that are bad for cavities,

it is more important to consider how often and in what way you eat sugary snacks.

Even if you eat the same amount, it is better to eat it at a set time and care for your mouth afterward

rather than spreading it out over the entire day.

What should you do after eating sugary foods?

If you have eaten a sticky food such as gummies or caramel,

first rinse your mouth several times with water.

Rinsing with water alone cannot replace brushing,

but it can help reduce the sugar and food particles left on your teeth.

When brushing, do not brush only the front surfaces of your teeth.

Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces and inner areas of the molars thoroughly as well.

Gummies stuck in the grooves of the molars may not come out easily with brushing alone,

so brush them several times using small movements.

Food stuck between the teeth is difficult for a toothbrush to reach.

Using dental floss or an interdental cleaning product suited to you about once a day

can also help prevent cavities.

If you are away from home and cannot brush immediately,

rinse with water first, then brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste when you can.

Is a black spot a cavity?

Not every black spot on a molar is a cavity.

It may be discoloration in a deep groove.

However, if the dark area gradually grows, food frequently gets stuck,

or you feel sensitivity when eating cold or sweet foods, it is a good idea to have it examined.

Cavities often do not hurt in their early stages.

If you continue to put off a checkup because there is no pain, the area requiring treatment may become larger,

so it is important to have your teeth checked regularly.

There is no need to completely stop eating sugary foods to prevent cavities.

However, it is better to reduce how often you eat snacks that cling to the teeth for a long time, such as gummies or caramel,

and avoid eating them little by little over an extended period.

If you ate gummies or hard candy today,

when brushing before bed, take another look at the grooves of your molars and between your teeth.

How you care for your teeth afterward is just as important as which snack you ate.

Gangnam Sinsa Station's 스마일디치과의원 examines each patient's current condition

and provides care in a way that is easy for patients to understand. Thank you.

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