The special time of year is upon us once more since February 15th celebrates National Gumdrop  Day throughout the country; this occasion delights everyone who has a preference for these colorful chewy candies.  Gumdrops create happy childhood memories of candy jars and holiday decorations among other sweet indulgences.  Although they can greatly enhance the flavor of any celebration around you, it is important to understand how  sugary snacks affect your mouth. At Holistic Smile Care in West Hollywood, CA, we know you  can enjoy sweetness in moderation while protecting your teeth and gums. In this article, we’ll look at  gumdrops and how they impact your mouth, including some helpful tips on how to enjoy them while maintaining  good oral health.

A Brief History of Gumdrops

For more than one hundred years candy stores have carried these small, chewy sweets known as gumdrops. According to candy historians gumdrops gained widespread popularity in the mid 1800s when candy makers produced these small sweets by boiling sugar and adding gelatin and flavorings. When gumdrops first appeared, they offered only a limited selection of fruit flavors. Candy producers explored new taste possibilities and shade options which resulted in the numerous gumdrop varieties presently available. A traditional usage of gumdrops consisted of their application as decorative pieces on gingerbread houses and their consumption during holiday times. Fast forward to the present, and gumdrops have become a year-round favorite. On National Gumdrop Day, candy enthusiasts show their enthusiasm by testing unique gumdrop flavors as well as textures including both sour and cinnamon options. These candies create happiness for consumers but you must understand both their makeup and the tooth damage they create.

 The Impact of Sugar on Oral Health

Gumdrops are usually very sweet and some of them contain  corn syrup which is rather sticky. Carbohydrates are the foods that serve as the primary source of  energy for bacteria in our mouth. These bacteria then produce acid which can cause weakening of the enamel of  the teeth and therefore increase the risk of decay and other gum problems; something that is not helpful to  our gums. This means that candies are stuck in the teeth for a longer period of time, giving  bacteria more time to produce acid.    Too much sugar can damage your teeth and this is not  alone. It has many other effects on the body from fatigue to weight gain. That is why, it  is always better to follow a middle ground approach. At Holistic Smile Care in West Hollywood, we  tell our patients that it is alright to indulge in foods they love but also practice good habits that will  help them have good oral health and general health.

Balancing Gumdrop Enjoyment with Good Oral Care

You don’t have to eliminate gumdrops completely from your diet. The key to enjoying your treats in moderation is understanding how to practice proper care of your mouth. Here are some tips to consider:

• Rinse with Water:  Swish water in your mouth after eating gumdrops or any sweet treats. The basic action removes more sugar particles from your teeth and shortens the time sugar comes into contact with them.
• Brush and Floss Regularly: As a standard practice, we suggest you brush your teeth two times every day and perform flossing once every day. The rules become more critical on days when you consume candy. When you brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating sweets it helps saliva perform acid-neutralization functions which protect your enamel.
• Mindful Snacking: If you want to eat gumdrops, pair them with a meal instead of snacking on them randomly throughout the day. When you eat sweets with other foods, your mouth produces more saliva to counterbalance sugar’s harmful effects. Instead of eating candy at various times throughout the day, try to avoid it as much as possible. The longer your teeth are exposed to sugar, the more harm it can cause.
• Use Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals or snack times helps stimulate saliva production which will rinse sugar from your teeth. This practical method provides oral protection during situations when you cannot brush your teeth immediately.

West Hollywood: The Holistic Dentistry Approach

At Holistic Smile Care, we have a philosophical approach that takes into consideration the oral health in relation to the general health of the patient. Gumdrops may seem like such a small indulgence, but they are a microcosm of our approach: balance and mindful choices. We do not only focus on treating symptoms, we also try to find out the cause and use biocompatible materials in our treatments.

Year Round Protection of Your Smile

As much as National Gumdrop Day promotes a particular confection there exists sugar-rich treats throughout the entire year. No matter the holiday or birthday celebration your teeth face sugar-related challenges throughout the twelve months. When you commit to regular dental checkups and proper oral care you can safely indulge in special moments without risking your oral health. At Holistic Smile Care, we encourage you to celebrate life’s special moments like gumdrops, while being gentle on your teeth and gums. West Hollywood, CA based practice delivers balance between your lifestyle and desired treats.

Schedule Your Next Dental Visit

Ready to achieve a healthier brighter smile? We welcome you to visit Holistic Smile Care in West Hollywood, CA. Our team is prepared to assist you with routine cleanings, cosmetic improvements or dietary sugar guidance, and more. Contact us today or reserve your appointment by visiting our website at Holistic Smile Care. When you celebrate National Gumdrop Day, our expertise ensures you remain at ease. We are excited to lead you to a balanced approach between oral health and sweetness.