Halloween Candy: The Good and The Ghoulish

While ghosts and zombies are scary, there is something even scarier in your trick or treat bags: candy. It's almost impossible to avoid eating candy this time of year, but it doesn't have to be loaded with sugar. Here's a little information about the worst candies for your teeth and some of the better alternatives.

The Scary Sweets

Candy Corn, Candy Apples, Cookies, and Cake

Halloween would truly be scary without candy corn, candy apples, and all of the other sweet treats. While these treats may be tasty, they can and will wreak havoc on your teeth. These treats are loaded with huge amounts of sugar, which leads to tooth decay and cavities.

Sour Candies

Although sour treats may make your mouth pucker, they also can quickly destroy the enamel on teeth because of their high acidity level. In addition, you should wait at least 30 minutes for the saliva to restore the pH in your mouth before you brush. Brushing before 30 minutes have passed would simply spread the acid on a larger surface area and bolster the erosive capabilities of the acid.

Taffy, Caramel, and Sticky Sweets

Unlike other candies, gummy candies easily become lodged between teeth and in crevices. Once it's lodged in these hidden places, it becomes practically impossible for the saliva in your mouth to wash the particles away. As a result, the sugary treats will form cavities.

Not-so-scary Treats

Sugar-Free Gum

The best alternative for your teeth is sugar-free gum for two reasons:

·         It dislodges particles of food from between your teeth

·         It increases saliva production in your mouth

Saliva is instrumental for neutralizing the acids, and it will prevent those acids from eroding your teeth and causing tooth decay. Saliva also prevents mouth dryness; and when your mouth is dry, plaque is much more likely to build up at a faster rate.

Dark Chocolate

Even though dark chocolate is loaded with sugar, it wont stick to your teeth. As a result, chocolate is not such a bad option as a sweet Halloween treat.

Sugar-Free Candy

Hard candies and sugar-free candy will help your mouth to create more saliva, which is essential for a healthy, cavity-free Halloween smile that's not so scary.



So, even if you splurge on a sweet treat, remember to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily and don't forget to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups! Have questions or need to schedule an appointment? Contact us and we will be happy to help!

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!