Valentine’s candy could rot that romantic smile, but it doesn’t have to

It is getting close to that time of year again when kids are getting each other valentines in class, significant others are buying boxes of chocolate and heart candies are sending a message.

The Rio Rancho Dental Associates say it is possible when choosing Valentine’s Day candy to select candies that are healthier for teeth than others may be.

“Chewy candy can be the toughest on your dental health due to its tendency to leave behind a sticky residue on your teeth that can linger long afterwards. Hard candy can also be hard on your teeth because of how long it takes to eat it compared with softer candies, allowing the sugar much more time to impact your teeth negatively,” Rio Rancho Dental Associates in a release.

According to their advice, chocolate is actually one of the better options because it washes away more easily.

“Chocolate melts in your mouth, so not only is it delicious, but it washes away much more easily and is less likely to leave behind a sugary residue after you enjoy it,” it said.

There are also some sugar-free options out there that are better for teeth and diets.

Fruit and cheese are also recommended as alternatives to candy and are said to be better for teeth.

While sugar free is recommended by the associates, they say sugar itself isn’t bad. However, it can negatively impact teeth because of how it reacts with the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth to produce an acid that can erode the enamel (or outer surface) of them.

Rio Rancho Dental Associates suggests eating Valentine’s candy in moderation, brushing well and visiting the dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings.

Here are some types to avoid based on these standards:

• Lollipops
• Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers
• Loose sugar candies like Pixy Stix
• Sticky or gummy candy