Halloween Candy Survival Guide
The candy medleys are already lining the aisles of your local grocery store, a reminder that Halloween is on its way! Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not directly cause cavities: the bacteria in your mouth take the sugar and convert it into a weak acid, which can weaken enamel and lead to potential decay. Check our our rundown on popular candy types and their varying effects on teeth:
- Chocolate: chocolate is one of the better candies because it washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy. Dark chocolate has less sugar than mild chocolate and could result in potentially less decay.
- Sticky/gummy candy: be wary of these candies. Anything sticky has the potential to stay in your mouth for longer, giving the bacteria more time to process it.
- Hard candy: hard candy stays in your mouth for longer and the sugar can remain in your saliva for extended periods of time. Be careful with how hard you chew on these guys– they may break your teeth!
- Sour candy: sour candy is our worst culprit since it is usually sticky and coated in sugar in addition to being sour. The acidity can weaken and damage the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
However, Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without the fun of candy. It is OK to eat some candy as long as you maintain brushing habits of twice a day and flossing once a day 🙂
