Which Halloween Treats Are Hardest on Your Teeth?

This time of year, you see shelves full of Halloween candy everywhere you go. Candy is as much a part of the holiday as costumes or grinning Jack-o-lanterns, especially for kids. At the same time, you know from your Kansas City family dentist that candy is bad for your teeth. What do you do? The good news is that Halloween candy can still be enjoyed in moderation. Knowing which Halloween treats are hardest on your teeth can help you decide which items to enjoy and which to avoid.

Different kinds of candies affect teeth differently. Among those that are hardest on your teeth are candies that are hard, sticky, or sour. When choosing which Halloween treats to share with your family or to give out to all the little ghosts and goblins that show up at your door, keep the following in mind:

Sticky and Chewy Candies Are Hard on Your Teeth

Candy is filled with sugar, and sugar is notorious for damaging teeth. How? The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on sugar, and the longer your teeth are in contact with the sweet stuff, the more damage those bacteria can do. Sticky and chewy candies such as gummies, caramels, or taffies stick to your teeth for long periods, leaving sugar in place to do its damage.

Sour Candy Can be Especially Tough on Tooth Enamel

Another way that candies can harm teeth is through acid, which can soften the enamel of your teeth, making it easier for tooth decay to occur. Because sour candies are both sugary and acidic, they can be particularly hazardous, especially if they are also chewy. Rinse with water after eating sour candy, but don’t brush immediately. Because your enamel is already softened, brushing too soon may exacerbate the problem.

Can Hard Candy Damage Your Teeth?

Hard candy dissolves slowly, so eating it leads to extended sugar exposure, similar to what you experience with chewy candies. That isn’t the only risk, though. It can be extremely tempting to bite down on hard candy, which can lead to chips or cracks in your teeth or damage to dental work.

Is Chocolate Better for Your Teeth Than Other Halloween Candy?

As candy options go, plain chocolate is better than many of the other choices available to you. Plain chocolate melts in your mouth and doesn’t stick to your teeth, meaning that the sugars it contains are cleared away more quickly. It’s still candy, though, and should only be enjoyed in moderation.

Does It Matter When You Eat Halloween Candy?

Absolutely. One of your goals when enjoying a sugary snack is to reduce the duration of exposure. It’s a much better idea to eat a few treats with a meal than to snack on candy throughout the day.

What Should You Do After Enjoying Halloween Candy?

The first thing to do is to drink some water. This helps rinse your mouth and protect your teeth. However, do not brush immediately after eating acidic candy. Instead, brush and floss normally later on, and don’t interrupt your normal oral care routine.

Better Halloween Choices for Your Smile

As your Kansas City family dentist, we know that everyone has a favorite Halloween candy or two. Go ahead and enjoy your favorite treats, but do so in moderation, and consider pairing them with tooth-healthy choices such as plain chocolate, sugar-free gum, or crispy fruits and vegetables. We’ve got a handy list of non-candy alternatives for trick-or-treating, as well as an article about what to do with your candy after Halloween is over!

Whatever you do for Halloween, we hope you have a fun and spooky evening, and don’t forget your regular checkups with Blacker Family Dental in Kansas City! Just call (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment.