Did you know that pure sugar is better than sticky caramel(WHAT?!), and dark chocolate is always a winner. Everything in moderation is typically okay and of course brushing your teeth (or at least rinsing your mouth with water) after enjoying your Halloween candy is always a great idea!
Below are a few tips for happy Halloween teeth from the worst to best choices in holiday candy:
WORST: Taffy and candies filled with caramel, coconut, or nuts are the worst kinds of candy for teeth because they stick to everything inside of your mouth, including the grooves of your teeth. The longer a food sticks to your teeth, the longer bacteria can feed on it–which could produce cavity-causing acid.
SECOND WORST: Hard candy like lollipops or jawbreakers, are almost as bad. Although they do not stick to your mouth, they take a long time to dissolve. The longer a food stays in your mouth, the more acidic your mouth becomes.
PRETTY BAD: Sour candy is also bad for your teeth because it has a higher acidic content, which can break down tooth enamel. While powdery candy such as Pixie Stix dissolve quickly in the mouth and don’t require chewing, they contain nothing but sugar and can lead to cavities by changing the mouth’s PH and giving bacteria straight sugar to eat.
NOT SO BAD: Chocolate, with no sticky fillings, will generally not stick to your teeth and therefore is a much better option if you’re craving something sweet.
BEST: Sugar-free gum may be the best treat this Halloween season because it leaves no sticky residue, and it is sweetened with xylitol–a natural sugar the bacteria is unable to form plaque on(Source: parenting.com).
Because there is never a candy deficiency around Halloween, it is important to be aware of the lasting negative effects Halloween candy can have on your teeth. Excessive intake of these candy can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and loss of enamel. Be sure to always brush your teeth after eating candy to ensure no surprise visits at the dentist! Nobody wants to see the dentist pull out that drill! Eek!
Have a safe Halloween, everyone!
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