“With sour candy, not only is the
enamel softened, but it is then instantly exposed to sugar!”
|
Erika Feltham aka “RDH 1982” sounds off about the current consumption of sour candy by children, and the consistent destruction she sees in their mouths.
I am deeply concerned about the very popular sour acid candy now available for kids of all ages. The candy I am referring to has a very sour citric acid coating and the center of the candy is usually loaded with sugar. Adults are also being affected by the use of sour acid ingredients in not only candy but in popular adult breath mints. The effects I have observed in my clinical practice are dramatic!
I have noted a dramatic increase in the number of cavities, loss of luster (shine), erosion and tooth sensitivity in those who consume this type of sour acid candy. Keep in mind that it does not take a lot of this acid coated candy to be destructive!
Demineralization of enamel occurs at a pH level of 5.5 and below. With sour candy, not only is the enamel softened, but it is then instantly exposed to sugar! I call this an “acid blast in a sugar bath.”
This candy comes in many forms: hard, soft, gummy, gels, sprays, foams, powders and pastes. A variety of acids are found in these sour acid candies, including: citric, malic, tartaric, fumaric, lactic, etc.
As dental health professionals, we are all obligated in the very least to update, educate, and warn our patients to carefully check the back of candy labels for these types and combinations of acids. So far, candy makers do not list the pH level and do not warn of the damaging effects to the consumer’s teeth.
Another concern is the source of these candies. Many are made and imported from China and other foreign countries. Are they being inspected by the FDA or are they slipping under the radar? The rapid proliferation of sour acid candy already in stores is alarming.
If you are seeing destructive dental changes in your patients, ask them if they consume sour acid candy or sour breath mints. If so, warn them of the dangers of these types of candies. Suggest chocolate instead, which is milder and safer in comparison to the damaging effects of concentrated sour acid ingredients.
To participate in this message board, log on to www.hygiene town.com, click on “MESSAGE BOARDS” and type “Sour Acid Candy” into the search box on the top of the page and select the board titled “SOUR ACID CANDY DISASTROUS EFFECTS
ON ENAMEL.”
|