What You Can Do

Protect Your Teeth: 7 Things to Start Doing Now

1. Reduce or eliminate consumption of sour candies.
2. Don’t suck or chew sour candies for long periods of time.
3. If you do eat a sour candy, swish your mouth with water, drink milk, or eat cheese afterwards to neutralize the acids.
4. Chew sugar-free gum to produce saliva which protects tooth enamel.
5. After eating sour candy or other acidic foods or drinks, wait one hour before brushing teeth.  Brushing right away increase the harmful effects of acid on teeth.
6. Ask your dentist about ways to reduce sensitivity or minimize enamel loss if erosion has begun.
7. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to protect your teeth.

Order Education Materials

Help stop this rising trend of tooth erosion caused by frequent and prolonged sucking and chewing of sour candies.  The MDA's colorful campaign, The Power of Sour on Your Teeth, includes brochures and posters for use in the dental offices, schools, health agencies, and community events.....any place where the public can be educated about the facts and warning signs of this new silent epidemic. Order Now