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Candy, just like anything else, is ok to have in moderation, but it may be hard to moderate on a holiday when there’s candy everywhere you go. And we’re not just talking about children either. Eighty-six percent of parents steal from their children’s Halloween candy haul. Non-parents have big cravings for Halloween candy too. Reportedly 73% of adults purchase more candy than they’ll need for trick-or-treaters so they have extra to eat themselves.
When it comes to understanding how your dental health is impacted by candy, let’s look at the most common types of candy and also discuss ways you can minimize the impact on your teeth with consistent dental hygiene practices.
Common Candies & The Impact On Teeth
Hard Candy: Hard candy has the ability to break your teeth. Also, because they tend to be in your mouth for a long amount of time, the sugar gets in your saliva and washes over your teeth.
Sour Candy: Sour candy is very acidic, and the acidity can damage the hard outer shell of your teeth, making you more susceptible to cavities.
Chocolate: One of the best types of candy to eat in terms of your dental health, chocolate washes off of your teeth easily.
Sticky/Gummy Candies: Sticky or gummy candies are the worst for your teeth. It’s hard to get off of your teeth and gives cavity-inducing bacteria more time to act.
Dental Tips for Halloween
Here are a few tips to help keep a healthy mouth while still indulging in Halloween candy:
Pick Your Favorites & Donate the Rest
Your teeth will thank you for limiting your candy stash. Donate the rest to organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Treats for Troops or see if your dentist office has a Halloween candy buy back program.
Time Your Candy Consumption
Your saliva production increases after a meal. By eating your candy right after mealtime, your mouth has a better chance of canceling out acid and flushing out food particles.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Candy
Hard candy tends to be in the mouth longer and sticky candy is hard to wash off your teeth. By avoiding both you’re able to reduce the chance of tooth decay.
It’s ok to eat candy, but make sure you understand how each type impacts your teeth and find ways to moderate in order to prevent potential dental issues. Also, make sure to practice good oral hygiene by brushing two times a day and flossing regularly. Your six-month cleanings can help catch problems before they get serious as well. If you haven’t scheduled your routine cleaning, contact our office today to make an appointment.