Halloween is a time for autumn fun, abundant and exotic confections known as candy, and costumes that run the gamut from wildly humorous to downright spooky. But it’s also a time to be mindful of your teeth. Eating too much sugary candy can lead to tooth decay, so it’s important to be careful about what you eat and how much you eat.
Here are some of the worst foods and candy for your teeth:
- Sticky candy: Sticky candy is the worst for your teeth because it sticks to the surface of your teeth and stays there for a long time. This gives the bacteria in your mouth time to produce acid, which can erode your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Sticky candy includes things like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears.
- Hard candy: Hard candy is also bad for your teeth because it can break your teeth. If you bite down on a hard candy too hard, you can chip or crack a tooth. Hard candy includes things like lollipops, jawbreakers, and peppermints.
- Sour candy: Sour candy is acidic, which can erode your tooth enamel. Sour candy includes things like Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, and Lemonheads. Sour gummies are popular candy items year-roun
- Sugary drinks: Sugary drinks are just as bad for your teeth as sugary candy. When you drink sugary drinks, the sugar gets absorbed into your bloodstream and travels to your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth then feed on the sugar and produce acid, which can erode your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Sugary drinks include things like soda, juice, and sports drinks.
How to Protect Your Teeth and Gums This Halloween During Trick-or-Treating
So how can you enjoy Halloween without damaging your teeth? Here are a few tips:
- Limit your candy intake: It’s okay to indulge in a few pieces of candy on Halloween, but don’t overdo it. Aim to eat no more than one or two pieces of candy per hour.
- Brush your teeth after eating candy: Brushing your teeth after eating candy helps to remove the sugar from your teeth and prevent cavities. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, rinse your mouth with water.
- Floss your teeth: Flossing your teeth helps to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps to prevent cavities and gum disease.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings: Your dentist can help you to keep your teeth healthy by removing plaque and tartar buildup, and by identifying any potential problems early on.
By following these tips, you can enjoy Halloween without damaging your teeth.
What is the worst candy for your teeth, specifically?
The worst candy for your teeth is anything that is sticky, chewy, or hard, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. These types of candy are more likely to get stuck in your teeth and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities.
Some of the worst candy or beverages for your teeth include:
- Skittles
- Sweet Tarts
- Tootsie Roll Pops
- Mountain Dew Soda
- Monster Energy Drinks
If you do eat these types of candy, be sure to brush your teeth immediately afterwards and floss regularly to remove any food particles that may be stuck in your teeth. You may also want to consider using a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.
A Trip Down Candy Corn Lane
And it just wouldn’t be Halloween without candy corn, in my honest opinion. And that also sends a very loud and clear message about the era I grew up in.
Candy corn is a small, pyramid-shaped candy, typically divided into three sections of different colors, with a waxy texture and a flavor based on honey, sugar, butter, and vanilla. It is a staple candy of the fall season and Halloween in North America.
Candy corn was invented in the 1880s by William Schrafft, the founder of the William Schrafft’s Candy Company. The candy was originally called “Chicken Feed” and was sold in small bags. In 1899, the candy was renamed “Candy Corn” and was given its signature three-color design.
Candy corn is made from a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, fondant, and marshmallow. The candy is first melted and then poured into molds. The molds are then cooled and the candy is removed. The candy is then coated with a layer of confectioners’ glaze to give it a shiny finish.
Candy corn is a popular Halloween candy. It is often given out as part of trick-or-treat bags and is also used in decorations. Candy corn is also a popular ingredient in candy corn flavored foods, such as ice cream, cookies, and cakes.
While candy corn is a popular candy, it is also high in sugar. A single piece of candy corn contains about 140 calories and 28 grams of sugar. As such, it is important to eat candy corn in moderation.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Teeth From Amazing Halloween Candy
It seems like we have lots of holidays that offer excuses to throw caution to the wind and dive headfirst into a chocolate shaped heart, bunny, vampire, or Christmas-tree ornament. At least I hope that last one was chocolate. Whatever candy is your favorite, just make sure to enjoy it in moderation and practice good dental hygiene. The occasional sweets binge will probably not ruin your teeth if you’re practicing good oral care the rest of the time.