It’s trick-or-treat season, and while that may signal a tasty treat for you and your taste buds, it’s essential to avoid a sugar-fueled nightmare for your teeth.
Knowing what types of candy are best for your teeth can make this holiday season slightly less terrifying for both your dentist and yourself. Using this guide will help prevent tooth decay while keeping trick-or-treating safe and fun!
Chocolate
Chocolate is delicious and will be your safest option as far as the health of your teeth is concerned this Halloween season. It washes off easily and tends to be less sticky than other types of candy. Dark chocolate is also a great alternative to milk chocolate because it contains less sugar.
Sugar-Free Candy
Sugar-free candy is an excellent choice because it does not contain any sugar, which can cause tooth decay. Avoiding excessive sugar is important because it creates an acidic environment in your mouth that bacteria love, which leads to tooth decay.
Sticky Treats
Avoid eating sweets that are sticky or chewy, like gumballs or caramel. These can stick to your teeth for days, causing damage long after Halloween ends. Sweets and candies that contain a lot of acids should be the first things you vote out of your trick-or-treating bag on Halloween night! Fruit snacks and Pixy Stix top the list of offenders in this category.
Sour or Gummy Candies
These candies are great for trick-or-treating but not as much for the health of your smile. This category includes gummies and Sour Patch Kids, among others. It’s best to eat these sooner rather than later since they contain bacteria that produce acid that breaks down tooth enamel over time.
Hard Candies
Any hard candy is bad news for your teeth. Even if they’re sugarless, they still are a big problem. The stiff consistency wears down teeth and can take away some enamel with it, so avoid it at all costs!
See Your Dentist ASAP If There’s a Problem.
If you have a cavity, cracked tooth, or sensitive teeth, make sure to see your dentist ASAP if any of these occur following Halloween. Cavities are mainly caused by eating too many sugary snacks. If you suspect that you have a cavity, make an appointment with the Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry, and we will take care of your dental needs right away.
