Which Halloween Candies Are Safer for Your Smile?

Halloween means costumes, pumpkins, and of course, plenty of candy. While sweets are part of the fun, not all treats have the same effect on your teeth. 

Dr. Glenn LeSueur, LVIF, is a qualified dentist at Drs of Smiles, with advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He helps families throughout Mesa, Arizona, choose Halloween candies that are safer for their teeth so they can enjoy the holiday without added dental problems.

Candies That Cause the Most Trouble

Some candies can do more harm than others when it comes to cavities. These sweets tend to make it easier for cavities to form.

• Sticky candies like caramel, taffy, and gummies cling to teeth and are difficult to brush away.
• Hard candies such as lollipops dissolve slowly, coating teeth in sugar for several minutes.
• Sour candies are highly acidic and can weaken enamel while adding sugar into the mix. 

Better Candy Choices

Some sweets are easier to clean away or may even support oral health in small ways.

• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, melts quickly and rinses off teeth more easily than sticky or hard treats. Chocolates with nuts may also help break up some of the sugar on the teeth.
• Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
• Powdery treats like Smarties or SweetTarts dissolve quickly and don’t stick to teeth the way caramels or gummies do.
• Peanut butter cups or similar candies are generally less harmful than sticky or hard candies because they don’t cling to teeth as long.

Tips to Protect Teeth on Halloween

You can still enjoy Halloween candy without harming your smile by keeping a few habits in mind.

Be sure to brush and floss after eating sweets, or rinse with water if brushing right away is not an option. Keep candy in moderation by holding onto your favorites and giving away the rest. 

For kids, preventive steps like sealants and regular dental visits are a good idea for added protection.

Book Your Appointment

Halloween should be fun, but not too stressful for your smile. Luckily, you can protect your teeth while still enjoying the season. Call Drs of Smiles in Mesa, AZ at 480-834-6991 to schedule your next appointment and stay on top of your dental health.