Halloween is a time for spooky fun and indulging in sweet treats. We recommend you be mindful of candy's potential impact on your dental health. Being more selective about your candy choices allows you to enjoy the holiday festivities while minimizing possible damage to your dental health. Below, our North River Dental Care team recommends treats that are better for your teeth and what types of Halloween candy you should avoid.
Halloween Candy That Is Better for Teeth
- Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate is one of the healthiest candy options. It is less likely to stick to your teeth compared to other types of candy, it contains less sugar than milk chocolate, and has antioxidants that can benefit your overall health, especially your heart heart. Plus, it can boost your mood.
- Sugar-Free Candy & Gum – Sugar-free candies and gum, especially those sweetened with xylitol, are the safest choice for teeth at Halloween. Xylitol can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acids and washes away food particles.
- Nuts with Chocolate – Nuts contain beneficial minerals and protein. However, be cautious of caramelized and very hard nuts that can chip and crack your teeth.
Halloween Candy to Avoid
- Hard Candies – Hard candies, like lollipops and jawbreakers, are notorious for causing dental problems. They can chip and crack teeth, plus they take a long time to dissolve. A sugary candy that lingers in your mouth exposes your teeth to sugar for an extended period, which increases your risk of bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
- Sticky or Gummy Candy – Sticky candies, such as caramels, taffy, and gummy bears, cling to your teeth, making it challenging for saliva to wash them away. Bacteria feast on the sugar, producing acidic byproducts that cause cavities.
- Sour Candy – Sour candies can be highly acidic, which erodes tooth enamel. Additionally, they are usually loaded with sugar.
Please contact North River Dental Care in Fredericksburg, VA, with any questions about how to care for your teeth!
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