Final answer:
Hard candies can break teeth if bitten with enough force. Oral health can be maintained with regular check-ups and reducing sugar consumption, while using xylitol and fluoride helps protect against cavities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to the types of candy that can break teeth, the primary concern is with hard candies. Hard candies can cause dental fractures when bitten down on. Maintaining oral health is crucial, and regular dental cleanings can detect early stages of decay and remove tartar. To prevent damage from occurring to your teeth, it's recommended to reduce sugar consumption, which leads to the microbial fermentation of sugars causing dental caries.
Sugar alcohols found in sugarless candies or gum, such as xylitol, are often less harmful because they don't ferment into acids that can damage tooth enamel. Fluoride treatment, or ingesting fluoridated water, helps to strengthen teeth and lessen the incidence of cavities by preventing the destructive action of bacteria-produced acids when sugary foods are consumed.
Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, arise from the metabolic activity of microbes in the mouth, with Streptococcus mutans being a predominant species involved. These microbes form a biofilm called plaque and produce acid that can erode the minerals in teeth, resulting in damage over time. Beverages with added sugars, like soft drinks and sports drinks, also contribute to dental caries and should be consumed in moderation to safeguard oral health.