Best and Worst Candies for Your Teeth
Posted on October 25th, 2024
With Halloween approaching and the winter holidays right around the corner, candy seems to be everywhere. While indulging your sweet tooth is part of the fun, it’s important to protect your dental health from the consequences of too much sugar.
Some candies are better for your teeth than others. Here at Oak Lawn Smiles, we want to help you make smart choices about what you eat and protect your family’s dental health. Continue reading to learn about the best and worst candy for your teeth.
The Best Candies for Your Teeth
While we know sugar can be damaging, not all sweets are equally harmful to your teeth. Here are some options to choose from that will be easier than others on your oral health:
- Dissolving Candies: Candies that dissolve quickly (and don’t require chewing) spend less time in contact with your teeth. This helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and has antioxidants that can benefit your overall health. Chocolate doesn’t usually get stuck in the crevices of your teeth either. Choose varieties with at least 70% cocoa to get the most health benefits.
- Sugar-Free Candies: Look for treats sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that can help prevent cavities. Chewing sugar-free gum can promote saliva production, as well, which helps wash away harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Dental Candy: Some brands make special “tooth-cleaning candies” designed to actually promote dental health.
The Worst Candies for Your Teeth
While no candy is good for dental hygiene, the options below are particularly tough on your teeth:
- Sticky Candies: Caramels, taffy, and gummy bears stick to your teeth for long periods. This gives bacteria more time to cause decay. These treats are among the worst candy for teeth.
- Highly Acidic Candies: Citrus flavored and sour candies are usually highly acidic. The acids in them can wear away tooth enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to cavities.
- Hard Candies: Sucking on hard candies bathes your teeth in sugar for extended periods. Plus, biting down on them can chip or crack your teeth. However, sugar-free hard candy is a good alternative if you enjoy this type of treat!
Sweet Alternatives for a Healthy Smile
Even when you’re careful about your selections, it’s still true that most candy is bad for your teeth. Here are some tooth-friendly alternatives to satisfy those sweet cravings:
- Fresh fruit, especially crisp apples and pears that help clean your teeth
- Yogurt with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruit
- Frozen yogurt
- Smoothies
- Frozen grapes or berries
- Dark chocolate-covered nuts or fruit
Tips for Enjoying Candy Safely
When you do indulge in candy, follow these guidelines:
- Eat sweets with meals rather than as snacks
- Drink water after eating candy to help wash away sugar
- Brush and floss after eating candy, but wait 30 minutes to protect softened enamel
- Choose sugar-free options when possible
Visit Oak Lawn Smiles for Premium Dental Care
Your smile is our top priority at Oak Lawn Smiles Family Dentistry. Schedule an appointment for a check-up before the holiday season ramps up. Teeth cleanings and dental exams can help us prevent and catch issues that may be caused by sugary treats. We can also apply protective dental sealants on children’s teeth to help prevent tooth decay before it starts.
Ready to schedule your next dental checkup? Contact Oak Lawn Smiles today. We’re here to help keep your family’s smiles bright and healthy, even during the sweetest seasons of the year!
