Gummies and Gummy Vitamins

Why Gummies (and Gummy Vitamins) are bad for your child’s teeth.

Gummy snacks and gummy vitamins may seem harmless, but they are one of the biggest causes of cavities in children. Here’s why we strongly recommend limiting or avoiding them.

 They Stick to Teeth:
* Gummies are sticky and chewy, which means they:
* Get stuck in the grooves and between teeth
* Stay on teeth much longer than other sweets
* Are hard for saliva and brushing to remove completely
 The longer sugar stays on teeth, the more damage it can cause.

 Sugar Feeds Cavity-Causing Bacteria:
The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid.
That acid:
* Weakens tooth enamel
* Causes white spots (early cavities)
* Leads to cavities that may require fillings or extractions
Even gummy vitamins contain sugar and can cause the same damage as candy.

 Gummy Vitamins Are Often Taken Daily
Unlike candy eaten occasionally, gummy vitamins are often:
* Taken every day
* Chewed slowly
* Eaten without brushing afterward
This repeated daily exposure greatly increases cavity risk.

 They Can Pull on Fillings & Crowns
Sticky gummies can:

* Pull out fillings
* Loosen crowns or space maintainers
* Damage dental work
This can lead to emergency visits and additional treatment.

 Juice, Fruit Snacks & Gummies = Similar Risk
Many parents are surprised to learn that:
* Fruit snacks
* Fruit leather
* Gummy vitamins

All behave like candy in the mouth—even if they are marketed as “healthy.”

 Better Choices

If your child needs vitamins or snacks, consider:
Instead of gummy vitamins:
* Chewable tablets
* Liquid vitamins (taken quickly, followed by water)

Instead of gummy snacks:
* Cheese
* Yogurt
* Fresh fruit
* Nuts (if age-appropriate)

 If Gummies Are Eaten
If your child does eat gummies:
* Have them eat gummies with a meal, not between meals
* Brush teeth soon after
* Drink water to help wash sugar away