Myth 16: Gorging on candy rots your teeth.

Mark Helpin, pediatric dentist of Temple University, says that it is better to let your kids gorge themselves on candy periodically than to let them have a little piece here and there throughout the day.

The reason, he says, is that the sugar found in all carbohydrateds (including candy, chips and pretzels) creates an acidic environment in the mouth that takes 30 to 60 minutes to dissipate. So rather than reintroducing the carbs every hour or two, it is better to let them have it all at once. Also, if they eat the candy with or following a meal, that is better because the increased amount of saliva that is generated during meals helps wash away the acid.

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