Too much candy can be bad for your teeth, and may eventually lead to a cavity or two! But this harm is not just a matter of sugar content. All candy is not alike, and some is worse for the teeth than others: It depends on how the candy is consumed and how long the sugar in it stays in the mouth. You can curb the damage to your teeth, and your children’s, by not only limiting candy consumption, but by opting for less damaging candies and healthier alternatives.
The general rule of thumb is to avoid candy that is hard or chewy. Even though most candy contains a lot of sugar, candy that melts or dissolves in the mouth quickly is less of a threat to dental health. Chewy candies like caramels or gummies stick to the teeth, allowing the sugar to stay in the mouth longer. The longer the sugar is there, the more opportunity bacteria have to breed. Gummy candy is very popular, but unfortunately, it’s one of the worst candies for the teeth.
Hard candy is bad too, no matter how a person enjoys it. Sucking on a hard candy allows sugar to hang around in the mouth for a long time, while chewing hard candy can break or crack the teeth. Pieces of it tend to stick to the teeth as well, giving bacteria a feeding ground.
Chocolate, without nuts, is a reasonably safe choice for the teeth. It’s easy to chew, it melts away in the mouth quickly, and the calcium it contains is actually good for the teeth. It does contain a lot of sugar, so it should be eaten in moderation.
The safest Halloween candy is sugar-free candy or gum, particularly if it contains the artificial sweetener xylitol. Xylitol has been shown to reduce acids that can damage the teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production, which also helps to wash away acids.
Washing away acids can also be accomplished by rinsing with water after eating candy. It’s best to only eat candy in small amounts, and at limited times, like after meals as a dessert or at regular snack times.
Limit the consumption of these harmful candies and make your dentist smile. Your own smile will thank you for it!
Happy Halloween!
