When it comes to Halloween, we all know that candy is a major part of the spooky holiday. Knocking door to door to receive sour gummies, carmely gooey chocolates or gum that look like eyeballs can all be very enticing to children as well as adults. But are you putting your mouth’s health at risk?
How does candy give you cavities?
Eating candy or any other types of sweets in moderation can lower your risk of cavities. Cavities occur when the bacteria in your mouth produces acid and digests sugar. The acid causes the enamel of the tooth to dissolve, which then leads to dental decay, or cavities. This can also happen when you eat food that is a carbohydrate or starch.
What are the worst candies you can eat?
Hard candy, sour candy, sticky or gummy candies. Sour candy sometimes is paired with a sugar coating. Which ads more sugar and the acidity part can weaken and damage the hard outer shell of your teeth. With hard candy you are at risk of chipping or even breaking a tooth if you’re not careful. Sticky or gummy candy probably some of the worst candy you can eat. They are hard to remove and tend to stay longer on your teeth giving the cavity-causing bacteria more time to work.
Are there any sweets that are less harmful on your teeth?
Chocolate is probably your safest bet when it comes to candy as long as it doesn’t contain caramel or any other sticky substance. Once again sticky substances in your mouth are harder to come off. But treating yourself to chocolate without those things is easier to wash off. Also when it comes to choosing chocolate, go with dark chocolate over milk chocolate, since dark chocolate has less sugar.
Will my teeth be fine if I brush them after eating candy?
Brushing and flossing after eating anything is always a good idea. Remember to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes and floss in between each crevice of your teeth to avoid plaque from building up. Also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and mouth dryness.
Most importantly stay safe and avoid candy that has already been open or if it looks suspicious. Try to pick the candy you like the most and donate the rest. Having candy lying around the house can be tempting.
Have fun most of all and Happy Halloween! And don’t forget to schedule and after Halloween appointment with Dr. Carmichael.
Dr. Natalya Carmichael
General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentist | San Diego, CA, Rancho Penasquitos, CA
(858) 484-2560
9728 Carmel Mountain Rd. Suite B,
San Diego, CA 92129
Written by Sandra Ramirez
