With Halloween just around the corner, children throughout the country are going to be loading their pumpkin-shaped buckets full of a wide variety of candy. From chocolate bars to sticky caramels, each of these items has a significant impact on your teeth. Discover which types are the worst as we explore three popular candies and how they’ll impact your teeth this Halloween.
What Makes a Candy Bad for Your Teeth?
You might assume that all candy is terrible for your teeth, but the fact is, different types of candy can be drastically worse for your smile than others. For example, chocolate bars and other creamy chocolate candies may seem bad, but are actually among the best choices because the sugar tends to wash off your teeth easily with water or saliva. On the other hand, candies that stick to your teeth for a longer time or spread their sugar throughout your entire mouth can coat your teeth in harmful sugars. Knowing the difference can keep your smile bright this Halloween.
3 Types of Candy that are Terrible for Your Teeth
Even if you plan on eating your body weight in candy this Halloween, it’s good to know that some types are bad for your teeth, while others are downright terrible! Learn about these candies that wreak havoc on your smile to increase the chances of a safe and fun Halloween.
1. Lollipops and Hard Candies
While lollipops typically come in bright colors and cool designs, the act of eating one is like a slow-drip of sugar coating your teeth. Unlike candies which are done in a few bites, hard candy keeps the sugar flowing, all throughout your mouth.
Another way hard candy can be brutal on your teeth is due to its texture. While lollipops and hard candy are meant to be sucked on until they disappear, many people lack that kind of patience and will proceed to chew their hard candy. Similar to chewing on ice, this damages dental enamel and can cause small cracks in the teeth. Since they’re a constant application of sugar and can cause damage when chewed, lollipops and hard candy are among the worst for your smile.
2. Sour Candy
Packing a triple threat of lots of sugar, tons of acid, and stickiness, sour candy is very possibly the worst candy for your teeth. Note that this includes citrus-flavored candies like Lemonheads. Whether it’s a hard sour candy such as Warheads or a chewy one, sour candy has enough sugar and acid to warrant a brushing and flossing session shortly after eating it.
3. Caramels and Other Sticky Candies
With their drab color and old-fashioned wrapping, caramels may seem like one of the least harmful types of candy. But due to the way they stick to your teeth with every bite, caramels are actually one of the worst for your smile. Plus, like hard candy, caramels last a lot longer than candies like M&M’s or Twizzlers. This means major doses of sugar being left on your teeth after each bite. So next time your grandma offers you a Werther’s Original, consider passing and your teeth will thank you.
You Don’t Have to Avoid Candy Entirely!
The point of knowing which candies are the worst for your teeth is that you can make smart decisions while enjoying your candy this Halloween. For example, even if you eat the chewiest caramels and hardest lollipops, following it up with a thorough brushing and flossing session will rid it of harmful sugar and acid while freshening up your smile. If you’re the kind of person who likes all candy equally, then avoiding those three types can minimize damage to your teeth this Halloween. Keep in mind that moderation and proper oral care are vital to a great smile!
Keep Your Smile Fresh and Bright at Major Smiles
Halloween is a fun American tradition, and if celebrated responsibly, it doesn’t have to bring harm to your teeth. By making smart choices and cleaning your teeth afterward, your smile can stay fresh long after the festivities are over. If you feel like you need a checkup after Halloween, schedule an appointment with Dr. Majors in Bryan, TX. Contact us today!