The Best (& Worst) Candy for Your Teeth

Posted by Nicole

Halloween is right around the corner. You might be surprised to hear this from your dentist, but we’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s ok to eat candy on Halloween (and the days after if you or your kids had a very successful trick-or-treat session). There’s one catch, you need to brush and floss your teeth afterward to prevent cavities.
A regular oral hygiene routine goes a long way in keeping your teeth healthy all year long, but it’s especially important when consuming large amounts of sugar. Oral bacteria love sugar, and when they eat the sugar, they produce an acid that, if left on the teeth, will create cavities.

With some will power, it’s also not a bad idea to be choosy about which candy you decide to indulge in when sorting through the treats.

Great news! Chocolate is one of the best candies for your teeth. It tends to clean off your teeth easier than other types of candy. Dark chocolate is even better because it contains less sugar.

Now, for the not so great news — sticky candies are some of the worst for your teeth. They stick around in your mouth for longer, and are harder to wash off. This gives the bacteria more time to work at creating cavities. Hard candies also have this same downfall. Additionally, if you bite them, you run the risk of a chip, crack, or a break to one of your teeth. Sour candies also fall into the category of not so great. They are very acidic which can weaken tooth enamel.

Thankfully, it seems that chocolates top the list of some of America’s favorite Halloween candies.

We hope you have a happy and safe Halloween. Be sure to remember the importance of a good oral care routine. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth for at least 2 minutes, 2 times per day. Regular dental visits are also very important. Is it time to get your next appointment on the calendar? We’d love to see you and hear all about your tricks and treats!