What's the Worst Halloween Candy for Your Teeth?

Now that Halloween is just around the corner, you're probably scouring supermarket shelves for the perfect bag of candy for the kids in your neighborhood, or making your own sweet treats. Either way, you're probably sampling some yourself, just to make sure the quality is up to your standards!

At Anderson Dental, we know how hard it can be to resist taking a few delicious bites of all the candy available this holiday season. And as long as it doesn't become a habit, you can still keep up with your dental hygiene even while munching on sweets.

Not all candies are created equal. In this blog post, we'll outline some of the worst offenders when it comes to tooth decay and other dental problems, and provide you with ideas for healthier options.

Hard Candy

Hard candy is a one-two punch for your tooth enamel: it's hard, crunchy texture can break or chip a tooth if you're not careful, and since hard candies are usually sucked on, their sugar washes over your teeth for a long period, which wears them down and makes room for decay and even infection. For overall oral health, try to stay away from these candies.

If you're still craving a hard candy, sugar-free organic lemon drops can be a good substitute for other types of hard candies. Instead of chewing them (which can still chip your teeth!), suck on them for as long as you'd like. Since they're sugar-free, you don't have to worry about that sugar wash rotting your teeth.

Gummy Candy

You might be aware that gummies are some of the worst types of candy for your overall health – but they're terrible for your teeth as well. Their acidic chemical composition wears down your tooth enamel, making your teeth more prone to chipping, and they can get stuck between your teeth, which allows more bacteria and infection build-up, as well as plaque. If you do eat gummy candies this Halloween, be sure to brush directly afterward.

If you just love gummy candies, try making them yourself. By making your own gummies, you can control the amount of sugar and other chemicals that go into them, making them safer on your teeth. We recommend xylitol to replace sugar, since it doesn't wear down teeth and is easy to find.
An added bonus to making your own gummies: you don't have to make any flavors you don't like!

Popcorn Balls

Though popcorn balls might not be the most popular Halloween candy, they're still made for friends and family, and definitely make an appearance throughout the holiday season. They can be sticky and messy, and the kernels can get stuck between your teeth, which can cause irritation or even infection. And of course, they have a lot of sugar too, which is just bad for your dental health, period.

Instead, try making treats out of marshmallows and nuts. You can still make them into a ball, and even add some other candies, as long as those aren't too sugar-packed. You can also find a sugar-free or organic marshmallow for an even healthier option!

Keep Your Teeth Healthy these Holidays!

We're sure you're looking forward to celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even New Years with your friends and family this year. You don't have to swear off candy, but for good dental health, you should be aware of what you're eating, and be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day. Maintaining proper preventative dentistry practices will never hurt!

Finally, be sure to schedule an appointment at Anderson Dental as soon as you can! We'll be happy to perform a checkup on your teeth, give them a cleaning, or even perform an aesthetic procedure to keep your smile shining. Give us a call today!