Valentine’s Day is full of fun, cards, and of course, candy. But all that sugar can cause real problems for your child’s teeth if you're not careful. At Glenmore Park Dental, we help families across Glenbrook, Lakeview, Rutland Park, and nearby Calgary communities navigate holiday sweets without compromising oral health. In this blog, we explain how sugar affects your child’s teeth, which types of candy are most harmful, and what parents can do to prevent cavities during the sweetest season of the year. If it’s time for a checkup or hygiene visit, contact Glenmore Park Dental today and book your child’s next dental exam appointment.
Kids love candy, and Valentine’s Day is one of the most sugar-packed holidays of the year. While it might seem harmless in moderation, even small amounts of sugar can contribute to tooth decay if oral hygiene slips.
When your child eats sweets, the sugar feeds bacteria in their mouth. These bacteria produce acid that erodes the enamel—the protective outer layer of the tooth. If this acid isn’t removed through brushing or saliva, it can lead to:
Children’s teeth are especially vulnerable because the enamel on baby teeth is thinner than adult teeth, making decay spread faster.
Not all treats are equally bad. The type, texture, and how long the candy stays in your child’s mouth all influence the risk.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most cavity-causing offenders:
If your child is going to enjoy a treat, plain milk chocolate is a safer option; it melts quickly and doesn’t stick as much.
You don’t have to ban candy altogether, but smart hygiene habits can significantly reduce your child’s risk of cavities.
Making these practices routine during candy-heavy seasons can make a big difference in long-term dental health.
If it’s been more than 6 months since your child’s last checkup, Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder to get back on track. A routine exam and cleaning help:
At Glenmore Park Dental, we make pediatric visits easy, comfortable, and educational—so your child can build lifelong healthy habits.
Valentine’s Day should be fun, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your child’s teeth. With a few simple habits—and a regular visit to your family dentist—you can keep their smile healthy and cavity-free all February long.
Contact Glenmore Park Dental today to book a pediatric checkup and protect your child’s teeth from sugar season setbacks.
Yes. Even small amounts of sugar feed cavity-causing bacteria, especially if oral hygiene is skipped.
Milk chocolate is better than sticky or hard candies, as it melts and washes away more easily. If candy is causing issues with your child's dental hygiene, contact Glenmore Park Dental today to book a pediatric dental exam.
Wait about 30 minutes before brushing to allow the enamel to re-harden after acid exposure.
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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY | CAVITY PREVENTION | KIDS ORAL HEALTH | FAMILY CARE | Cavities and Candy This Valentine’s Day
Glenmore Park Dental—Trusted Family Dentist in Calgary.
Since 2001, we’ve been Calgary’s trusted choice for general dentistry, implants, Invisalign, and advanced treatments like Guided Biofilm Therapy and Zoom whitening. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to patient comfort, we make every visit stress-free. Conveniently located for easy access from Glenmore and Crowchild, we proudly serve families across Marda Loop, Acadia, Lakeview, Glenbrook, and beyond.
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