June is National Candy Month
National Candy Month doesn’t have to send off alarms, it can be sweet without being detrimental to your dental health! 😀
There can’t be a sweeter way to kick off the first month of summer than by celebrating National Candy Month! It’s a fun way to enjoy the freedom of summer by recognizing the candy treats we have all loved for so long!
Candy has been a contributor to our celebrations, our past times, it has marked special occasions, made movie watching memorable as a kid, and helped us create celebrations every day!
Special Times Marked with Special Treats
Whether its a box of Milkduds at the movies or hot tamales at the baseball game, there’s a special treat that comes to mind when we get together for fun times. A visit to the fair reminds us of a big cone of spun sugar, better known today as cotton candy. Fudge and saltwater taffy are a must-have after visiting some of our favorite vacation spots. We often add some sweetness to our trail mix throughout the summer for added energy on hikes or making a s’more while camping. Fresh mints brighten our day or even a wedding reception. There are so many ways candies adds to our lives, so why not make a holiday of it?!
Enjoy Candy in Moderation and Brush Your Teeth!
When enjoyed in moderation, candy adds about 40 calories per day. Here are some tips to keep candy “safe”!
- Moderation is key. If you are counting calories, pay attention to the number of servings on the package
- Read the labels. Watch for ingredients that you or your child have allergies to
- Go Sugarless. If you are a diabetic, you can choose no-sugar varieties that are satisfying and delicious
- Brush! Always brush your teeth after you have indulged in your sweet treats and NEVER go to bed without brushing
- Choose wisely. If you wear dentures or orthodontic appliances, choose candies that are not chewy or will stick to your teeth
And don’t forget to keep Tasty Clean handy. If you remove your mouth guard or appliances to enjoy a candy treat, be sure to have Tasty Clean handy to rinse and clean them before putting them back in your mouth. And if your child drops that lollypop on the floor, not to worry, just spray it with your Tasty Clean and go!
A Little History
National Candy Month was first observed in January of 1974. Sales of confections would often drop after the busy holiday season and new year resolutions would kick into high gear making sweets a restricted diet item for some time to come. The observance would later move to May and then settle into its current place in sunny June. It was founded by the National Confectioners Association.
According to the National Confectioners Association, for every one job created in the confectionery industry, seven more are supported in related industries. That includes the farmers, the processors, the distributors and so many more. Just another reason to love candy!
What’s Your Favorite?
What’s your favorite sweet treat? Do you celebrate with sprinkles on your ice cream or a bag of chewy turtles from the candy store? Are your sweets reserved for Valentine’s Day or the holidays? We remember saving our coins to buy our candy by the bag. Now you can get your favorite by the pound at the movie theater or a store at the mall. Just like everything else, candy has evolved and better than ever!