Dentist-approved Halloween sweets guide…
With Halloween taking place this evening, many are excited about a night of costumes and sweet treats. However, while candy is the highlight for most, it is a nightmare for your teeth.
Experts from the dental clinic Inglewood Family Dental warn about the most popular Halloween treats that could harm your smile and offer alternatives to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Worst Candies this Halloween
Candy Corn, AKA Cavity Corn
Whether you love it or hate it, Candy Corn is a classic Halloween staple. However, this sticky treat can be damaging to your oral health.
Candy Corn clings to your teeth longer than other treats, resulting in extended exposure to its high sweetness content; when stuck to a tooth for an extended period, this residue becomes more challenging to remove. This contributes to the formation of cavities and can even lead to gum disease.
A serving of Candy Corn consists of 19 pieces containing a whopping 28 grams of sugar—just 2 grams less than an adult’s recommended daily intake and 4 grams more than a child’s. That’s more than six teaspoons of sugar.
Sweet Treat, Sour Consequences: Candy Apples
Candy apples may be a delicious fall favorite, but they have hidden risks for your smile. Coated in a hard, sugary shell, each candy apple contains over 60 grams of sugar, more than double the recommended daily intake for adults and children.
The sticky coating clings to teeth, feeding harmful bacteria that produce acid and lead to tooth decay. Plus, biting into the hard shell can cause costly damage to those with dental work, particularly fillings or braces.
Better Alternatives for a Halloween Treat
Zollipops: The Treat That Promotes Oral Health
Healthier candy options include Zollipops, which are excellent for maintaining oral health. They contain zero grams of sugar and help neutralize acidity in the mouth.
High acidity contributes to tooth decay, but Zollipops balance the pH levels, promoting tooth remineralization and reducing the likelihood of cavities. By lowering acidity, they create a more favorable environment for stronger teeth.
Chocolate: A Sweet Treat That’s Kinder to Your Teeth
Chocolate, though still sugary, can be a better option than sticky or hard candies because it is easier to clean off teeth. Sticky candies cling to enamel, making them difficult to remove; therefore, they are more likely to cause cavities.
Unlike hard candies, chocolate melts quickly and can be brushed away with less effort. Chocolate is also softer, reducing the risk of tooth breakage compared to hard candies like boiled sweets.
Dark chocolate is a healthier option than milk chocolate. It contains less sugar and includes polyphenols—natural chemicals that can reduce harmful oral bacteria.
It also contains antioxidants that help fight gum disease, offering both a sweet treat and potential oral health benefits.
Cut the Sugar, Keep the Sweet: Sugar-free Candies
Sugar-free candies are a great alternative for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without risking their oral health.
Unlike traditional candies, which contain sugar and produce harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay, sugar-free varieties use alternative sweeteners that are less harmful to teeth.
However, to maximize the oral benefits of sugar-free candies, it’s best to choose those that contain xylitol, a sweetener that promotes saliva production. Increased saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids, offering extra protection against tooth decay.
While they should still be enjoyed in moderation, sugar-free candies offer a satisfying treat with fewer negative effects on dental health.
Arash Ravanbakhsh, an expert from the dental clinic Inglewood Family Dental:
“While Halloween is a fun and festive time, it’s important to remember that many popular treats threaten oral health. Sugary, sticky candies like Candy Corn and gummies can cling to teeth and promote decay. Hard candies not only bathe teeth in sugar for extended periods but can also lead to fractures. When discussing better alternatives, it’s important to remember that even healthier candy options should be enjoyed in moderation for optimal dental health. Regular brushing, flossing, and mindful candy consumption are key to maintaining a healthy smile this spooky season.
“If you experience any issues like a cracked tooth or lost filling, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist to prevent further complications.”
