When you’re preparing for Halloween, it can be difficult to choose candies that are better for you and your dental health. This can be especially true for people who have a problem controlling their “sweet tooth.” Thankfully, there is a compromise so you can enjoy the festivities while making it harder to over-indulge. Just remember to brush your teeth!
Below is a tier list that ranks every type of candy by sugar content, and how good it is for your dental health. If you need some guidance on what to avoid for Halloween, continue reading.
D-Tier: Hard Candy
Hard, dissolving candies are the absolute worst for teeth. They are not only a risk to chip or crack your enamel, but they also require you to hold them in your mouth for a long time. This keeps your fangs in constant contact with the sugary syrup they’re made of.
- Jolly Ranchers
- Jawbreakers
- Suckers
C-Tier: Sour Candy
While these types of candy are a step up from the bottom, they’re not that much better. The chemical that makes candy taste sour is citric acid. This chemical can be crystalized and put into many forms such as powders, liquids, and gummies.
Not only do these candies have a high sugar content, but the citric acid can wear away your tooth enamel. It’s almost like they were designed to send you to the dentist.
- Sour Patch Kids
- Warheads
- Juicy Drop
B-Tier: Gummy Candy
Gummies tend to have lower amounts of sugar per serving than some other candy alternatives. You can also make them at home if you’re feeling especially spooky on Halloween, allowing you to control exactly what ingredients are added.
The downside of gummies is their innately sticky texture. After chewing, this type of candy likes to cling to teeth, increasing the amount of time your enamel is exposed to the sugar.
- Haribo Gummy Bears
- Black Forest Gummy Worms
- Trolli Gummy Fruit
A-Tier: Chocolate and Xylitol Gum
This is probably the best news you’ve heard all month! Chocolate, and especially dark chocolate, have the lowest sugar content and pose the lowest risk to teeth. This is because chocolate will melt completely, making it easier to clean off when you brush.
In addition, sugar-free gum that uses xylitol is still very flavorful and studies performed by Dr. Asma Gasmi Benahmed et all of the International Academy of Integrative Dentistry in France have shown that it may help prevent cavities!
- Hershey’s Special Dark
- Trident Gum
- Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween without candy, and if you’re having trouble with your diet or oral health, you should probably refrain from having any. If you must indulge, aim for candies in A Tier, drink plenty of water, and visit your dentist if you notice any issues. Your health and your smile are more important than a holiday, so choose wisely.
About the Author
Dr. Olga Kandov is a highly educated and talented dentist who found her passion in helping restore the smiles of her patients. Dr. Kandov earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then went on to the world-renowned Misch Implant Institute and continues her education today through multiple professional organizations. To schedule an appointment, call (215) 345-6500 or visit the website to delve into other services.