Every October, kids and adults alike look forward to sweet treats. But not all candy is harmless fun. Your dentist in Denver, CO, can help you understand which candies are safer for your teeth and which ones can cause problems. By ranking Halloween candies from best to worst, you’ll know which treats you can enjoy in moderation and which ones are best avoided.
Nothing’s spookier than neglecting your oral health. So, get your smile ready for the season by scheduling an exam and cleaning with the crew at Metropolitan Dental Care. Call us at (303) 534-2626 to coordinate your care in Denver, CO, today!
Sticky and Chewy Candies: The Worst Offenders
When your dentist in Denver, CO, reviews Halloween candy, they usually tell patients to steer clear of sticky, chewy goodies. These include taffy, gummies, and caramel-filled sweets. The problem is how long they cling to teeth.
Sticky candy gets trapped in the grooves of your molars and stays there, feeding harmful bacteria. This can quickly lead to cavities.
If you do indulge, drink water immediately and floss carefully later. But overall, sticky candies cause more harm than good and should be kept to a minimum during the Halloween season.
Hard Candies: A Risk for Cracks and Cavities
Another group that your dentist in Denver, CO, advises caution with is hard candy. Lollipops and other solid sweets seem harmless, but they can actually do two types of damage. They coat teeth in sugar as they dissolve and can crack teeth if bitten wrong.
Cracked or chipped teeth may require crowns or other treatments to repair. Plus, the constant sugar exposure increases your risk of decay.
If you really want to enjoy hard candies, let them dissolve instead of chomping on them, and always rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Sour Candies: Acidic and Harmful
Sour treats may taste fun, but they are tough on your teeth. Your dentist in Denver, CO, places sour candies among the worst choices for dental health. They are acidic and weaken enamel almost immediately. Once enamel wears down, it cannot come back.
Sour candies also combine sugar and acid, creating a double attack on your smile. If you eat them, rinse your mouth with water and wait before brushing. Brushing too soon can spread acid and cause even more erosion.
Chocolate Candies: A Safer Option
Thankfully, not all candy is bad. Your dentist in Denver, CO, often places plain chocolate toward the safer end of the list. Unlike sticky or hard candy, chocolate melts quickly and washes away easily with water.
Your dentist in Denver, CO, highly recommends dark chocolate over other options. It usually contains less sugar, and recent studies suggest that dark chocolate may reduce the risk of oral cancer.
While it’s still important to enjoy chocolate in moderation, it does not cling to teeth the way chewy candies do. That makes it a better option for both kids and adults who want a treat without as much risk to their smiles.
Take a Healthy Halloween Approach with a Dentist in Denver, CO
Halloween candy is part of the fun, but your dentist in Denver, CO, wants you to remember that moderation is key. Eating candy in small amounts and brushing after helps protect your teeth.
And don’t forget to attend regular checkups and cleanings at Metropolitan Dental Care! Click here to schedule an appointment online, or call our office at (303) 534-2626 to keep your smile strong long after the holiday ends.
