The Worst Halloween Candy For Your Teeth, According To Dentists
When you think of Halloween, candy is probably the first thing that comes to mind. October 31 is the one day of the year that's probably the most well-known for all things sweet and sour. Aside from its sugary nutritional profile, candy has a bad reputation for its effects on teeth—even beyond cavities. While we likely won't be skipping our favorite candy this year, we decided to ask dentists what the worst Halloween candy is for teeth. And when we decide to indulge, what should we be doing to steer clear of cavities?
"Halloween is the perfect time to reinforce why the sugar in candy and other sources such as soda and juice are harmful to your teeth if you don’t take proper care after consumption," said Dr. Natasha M. Flake, president of American Association of Endodontists.
What Candy Is The Most Harmful For Teeth?
If you want to protect your teeth, there are a few types of candy experts say to look out for. "Any candies that are sticky, hard, or sour are the worst for teeth," said Dr. Irina Kessler, partner at New York Family Dental Arts. She said this can include candy like Sour Patch Kids, Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, taffy, lollipops, and caramel candies.
But what makes these candies especially risky for teeth?
We've probably all experienced gummies that get stuck in our molars. "Sticky candies cling to the teeth, leading to prolonged sugar exposure and increased risk of decay," said Dr. Flake.
Sour candies are comprised of sugar and acid, according to Dr. Kessler, which can break down tooth enamel. Many sour candies are also sticky, which makes them prone to sticking in your teeth.
And of course, the biggest threat of hard candies is their ability to crack or chip teeth. If this happens and leads to infection, Dr. Flake said without treatment, it can lead to a root canal or tooth loss.
And if you're not biting on hard candies, but sucking on them, they can take awhile to finish. I mean, how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Because of this, Dr. Kessler said your teeth are exposed to sugar for a longer period of time.
How Can You Protect Your Teeth When Eating Candy?
While most candy falls into the sticky, hard, or sour categories, there are some ways to help protect your teeth when enjoying Halloween candy—or any candy.
"If you still want to enjoy these candies, make sure you do so in moderation," said Dr. Kessler. "Having these candies daily can lead to cavities and other oral issues down the line."
Aside from avoiding these candies that can be harmful, Dr. Flake has three tips:
First, she recommends eating candy after meals, as saliva production is increased and can help neutralize acids. After eating sweets, she says to drink water to help wash away "sugary food particles." And, she adds, you should wait 30 minutes after eating candy or food before brushing your teeth to help the enamel remineralize. If you brush before then, it could damage the tooth's enamel.
How Do You Avoid Cavities?
"Maintaining good oral hygiene is key," said Dr. Kessler. She recommends brushing and flossing twice per day and seeing a dentist two times a year. "Limiting your sugar intake including sugary foods and drinks is important to avoiding cavities."
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