Halloween Candy and Your Teeth: Which Treats Are Hardest on Them
That bowl of Halloween candy by the door has a way of calling your name every time you walk past it. You don't have to give up treats to keep your smile healthy, and a little know-how makes it easy. Some candies are much harder on your teeth than others, and when you eat them matters too. At our New Haven dental office, we'd love for you to enjoy the season and feel good at your next checkup. Here's which treats ask the most of your teeth and a few easy habits that help.
Sticky, sour and hard candy are toughest on teeth
The candies that are hardest on your teeth are the sticky, sour and hard ones. The American Dental Association's Halloween candy survival guide recommends skipping hard candy and sticky, gummy sweets because they stay in your mouth for a long time, which gives sugar more time to sit on your teeth.
Sticky treats cling to your teeth
Gummies, taffy, caramels and other chewy candies cling to your teeth and linger in the grooves long after the wrapper is gone. The longer sugar stays in contact with your teeth, the more chance it has to contribute to cavities.
Sour candy is tough on enamel
Sour candies bring a double challenge. The ADA explains that they're high in dietary acids that attack enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth, on top of the sugar they carry. If sour treats are your favorite, save a few to enjoy with a meal.
Hard candy and lollipops linger
Hard candy and lollipops are made to last, so they keep your teeth bathed in sugar for as long as you're enjoying them.
Chocolate is the gentler choice
If you're choosing one treat from the bowl, reach for chocolate. The ADA calls small amounts of chocolate a decent choice because it doesn't stick to your teeth as readily as other candies, and dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate.
That makes a small square of dark chocolate a happy middle ground: you still get your treat, and your teeth get an easier night. The same idea helps when you're filling the bowl for trick-or-treaters. The ADA's guide also suggests handing out non-candy treats, like stickers or activity books, alongside a few pieces of chocolate.
When you eat candy matters too
The easiest way to protect your teeth is to have candy with a meal or right after one. The ADA explains that your mouth makes extra saliva while you're eating a full meal, and that saliva helps rinse away leftover sugar and the acids that cause cavities.
Snacking on candy throughout the day gives sugar more chances to settle on your teeth, and the ADA suggests keeping frequent sugary snacks to a minimum. Saving your treats for after dinner is a simple way to do that. A few more habits help:
- Chew sugarless gum for about 20 minutes after eating, which the ADA says helps prevent tooth decay because chewing makes extra saliva.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily, as the ADA recommends in its everyday oral health guidelines.
- Keep the candy bowl out of sight once the trick-or-treaters are done, and share or donate the extras.
Extra protection for your enamel
A little extra protection can help your teeth handle the sweet season. Our preventive care includes fluoride varnishes and protective sealants that help guard your enamel, along with peptide treatments that help replenish minerals in your teeth to slow early decay. We'll recommend what fits your teeth and your comfort, and preventive care helps adults just as much as kids.
If you have bonding, veneers or crowns and wonder how they handle chewy or crunchy treats, ask us at your next visit. We'll give you guidance for your own smile so you can enjoy the season with confidence.
When to see your dentist
If a tooth feels sensitive to sweets, you notice a rough spot, or a tooth just feels different after a candy-filled week, give us a call. Small changes are easier to take care of early. The season is also a great reminder to book your next checkup and cleaning, so we can clean away buildup and look for early signs of decay.
Frequently asked questions
Which Halloween candy is worst for your teeth?
Sticky, sour and hard candies are the toughest on your teeth. Gummies, caramels and taffy cling to your teeth, hard candy and lollipops keep sugar in your mouth for a long time, and sour candy adds acids that attack enamel. If you're going to indulge, those are the treats to enjoy sparingly and with a meal.
Is chocolate better for your teeth than other candy?
In small amounts, yes. The ADA calls chocolate a decent choice because it doesn't stick to your teeth as readily as other candies. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate, so it's the gentler pick. Enjoying it with a meal lets the extra saliva from eating help rinse your mouth.
Does chewing gum after candy help my teeth?
Sugarless gum can help. The ADA says chewing sugarless gum for about 20 minutes after eating helps prevent tooth decay, because chewing makes your mouth produce extra saliva that washes away sugar and acid. Keep a pack nearby during the candy season, and keep brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
How can I protect my teeth during Halloween?
Enjoy candy with meals, choose chocolate over sticky or sour treats, and chew sugarless gum afterward. Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth. Our preventive care, like fluoride varnishes and sealants, adds extra protection, and a checkup helps us catch any early changes.
Enjoy the treats and keep smiling
A few smart choices let you enjoy the season and keep your smile healthy. Our New Haven, CT dental team is happy to help you protect your teeth all year. Call us at (203) 624-5256, visit us at 375 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511, or send us a message through our contact page to book your next visit.
Published by Center for Esthetic Dentistry.
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