Eating more Candy this month? Some candy is more kind to your teeth than others!
October has arrived, which means Halloween is coming soon! While the holiday will probably look different this year (like everything else), there will still be lots of candy.
While an occasional taste of candy and other types of sugar does you no harm, it’s important to be careful of the types of candy you’re choosing. Some are better than others when it comes to your teeth. So learn how to be kind to your teeth this Halloween!
Red Light
Some types of candy damage your teeth, and nobody wants that! It’s best to avoid these candies or eat them very carefully to avoid harm:
Hard Candies
While you might not think of candies like Jolly Ranchers as being particularly dangerous to your teeth, you can break teeth on them if you bite down. Because many people often suck on this type of candy, it can also cause damage by leaving sugar in your mouth for a longer period of time.
Sticky/Chewy Candies
Taffy may taste fantastic, but it can stick to everything in your mouth, leaving your teeth exposed to lots of sugar and cavity-causing acid. Candies that contain caramel can also have the same effect.
Sour Candy
We know—we’re taking away all the fun! While this type of candy isn’t as bad for you, sour candy has a high acid content, which can eat away at your enamel.
Green Light
Not all candy is bad for you! Some types get the go-ahead from dentists:
Chocolate
Plain chocolate, or chocolate that’s filled with things that aren’t sticky, doesn’t stick to your teeth and won’t increase acid levels in your mouth. Want to make the best possible choice? Dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate.
Sugar-Free Gum
If you want a sweet treat that doesn’t damage your teeth, chew on a stick of sugar-free gum. This type of gum is made with xylitol, which is a natural type of sugar that bacteria can’t form on.
Any kind of candy is usually fine in moderation, just be sure to brush when you’re done and drink lots of water! Have other dental questions or need to schedule an appointment? Get in touch with our Cottonwood Dental Group specialists today.
