It’s the time of year when candy is everywhere! Whether you’re picking up a treat for yourself or for your little ones, it’s important to be aware of which candies are bad for your teeth and which are good. In this blog post, we will discuss the best and worst candies for your teeth. We’ll also provide some tips on how to enjoy your favorite treats without damaging your pearly whites!
But first, if you’re looking for the best dentist in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding area, New Hope Dental Care is here for all of your dental needs. Now, let’s dive in!
Bad For Teeth
Sour Candies
Sour candies might make your face contort in a variety of ways, but they’re actually doing way more damage to your teeth than you realize. For starters, sour candies contain high levels of sugar and acid. Sugar is well-known for its ability to cause cavities, but acid can be just as harmful. Acid wears away at the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. In addition, the sourness of the candy can cause tiny cracks in your teeth, providing a place for bacteria to hide and flourish. So next time you’re contemplating eating a Sour Patch Kid, remember that it might be more than just your tongue that ends up feeling sour.
Chewy Candies
When it comes to candy, there are two types of people in the world: those who like chewy sweets like taffy and caramel, and those who prefer crunchy treats like chocolate bars. While both types of candy can cause tooth decay, chewy candies are particularly notorious for sticking to teeth and promoting the growth of cavities.
The sticky texture of these candies allows them to adhere to teeth, where they can then bacterial acids that lead to decay. In addition, the act of chewing a chewy candy can actually increase the risk of tooth decay by exposing more of the tooth surface to sugar. If you’re looking to keep your teeth healthy, you might want to steer clear of taffy and caramel.
Hard Candy
You might not think that hard candy is any worse for your teeth than other types of candy, but you would be wrong. While it’s true that hard candy doesn’t stick to teeth like chewy candy does, the sugar content is still high enough to cause cavities. In addition, biting into hard candy can actually crack or break your teeth. The best dentists in Raleigh, NC see this mistake made all the time. So if you’re looking for a candy that’s easy on your teeth, you might want to give hard candy a miss.
Licorice
You might not be able to get enough of that black licorice flavor, but your teeth probably feel differently. Licorice root contains a substance called anethole, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of tooth-decaying bacteria. However, licorice candy is often flavored with anise oil, which does not have the same cavity-fighting properties. In addition, many licorice candies contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to cavities. Emergency dentists in Raleigh, NC often see the unfortunate effects of licorice on teeth, so if you want to keep your smile healthy, it might be best to limit your intake of licorice candy.
Okay For Teeth
Chocolate
Despite what you may have heard, chocolate is actually not so bad for your teeth! Dark chocolate in particular is beneficial because it contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect your teeth and gums. In addition, chocolate is less sticky than other types of candy, so it’s less likely to adhere to your teeth and cause cavities. However, chocolate is still high in sugar, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation.
Sugarless Gum
You might not think of gum as candy, but it actually contains sugar. However, sugarless gum is a great option for people looking for a sweet treat that’s easy on their teeth. Sugarless gum helps to remove food particles and plaque from teeth, and it also stimulates saliva production.
Saliva is important because it helps to neutralize the acids in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay. In addition, chewing gum can help to freshen your breath.
Candy With Nuts
Candy that contains nuts is actually good for your teeth! The nuts help to remove plaque from your teeth, and they also contain vitamin D, which helps to strengthen your teeth. In addition, the act of chewing nuts can help to increase saliva production, which helps to protect your teeth from cavities.
Tips For Choosing The Right Candy
When it comes to choosing the right candy for your teeth, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, try to choose candy that is less sticky. Sticky candy is more likely to adhere to your teeth and cause cavities. Second, avoid candy that is high in sugar.
Sugar is one of the main culprits when it comes to tooth decay. Finally, try to choose candy that is easy on your teeth and has high water content. Hard candy can crack or break your teeth, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.
Final Thoughts
Halloween is a great time to enjoy your favorite candy, but it’s important to choose wisely. Chewy candy, hard candy, and licorice are all bad for your teeth, but chocolate and sugarless gum are good options.
When it comes to choosing the right candy for your teeth, try to choose candy that is less sticky, has high water content, and is easy on your teeth. And remember to brush and floss after you enjoy your Halloween candy! Happy Halloween and remember that New Hope Dental Care is the best dentist in Raleigh, NC.