Halloween is one of the most fun times of the year for family, friends, and anyone looking to get dressed up and gorge on delicious treats. While it’s certainly necessary to treat yourself now and then, it’s wise to consider the effects that too much sugar and sticky candies could have on your health. Your dental health is one of the first things you might think about when it comes to the impacts of sugar and sweet snacks. During a time such as Halloween, it is easy to get carried away and over-indulge in candy consumption.
For your benefit, we’ve arranged a list of some of the best and worst candies and treats that you can eat during Halloween and the weeks following. It’s definitely not expected that you’ll forgo all of your favourite treats simply because they’re not the healthiest, but this list will give you an idea of what you should avoid when it comes to that time.
Chocolate
Ranking better than hard candies and sour gummies, chocolate and popular chocolate bars are not as bad on your teeth and gums. This is especially true for dark chocolate as opposed to milk chocolate. The reason that chocolate is better for our dental health is because it spends less time being stuck in the crevices of our mouth like in between our teeth and gums.
It doesn’t linger for as long as other types of candy might, and it can be easily brushed away afterwards leaving little to no trace in our mouths. Even swiping our tongue across our teeth after eating chocolate can remove a lot of the leftover residue. This is one of the prime reasons why chocolate does some of the least damage to our teeth out of all the popular candies handed out during Halloween.
Sticky Gummies and Hard Candies
Sticky, chewy, gummy type candies and hard candies are some of the worst for our oral health. This is because these types of candies can leave a residue on our teeth and gums, and can often linger for longer than we expect. If you are trying to be proactive about your oral health or if you are prone to cavities, then you may want to steer clear of sticky or hard candy.
Sour candies are also harmful to our teeth as they contain acids that can damage our enamel and cause degradation to our teeth. While they may taste great and be hard to resist, they are not a good option for those with dental issues or teeth sensitivities.
Lollipops
Similar to hard candies, lollipops linger in our mouths for a longer period of time than chocolate, chips, or any other type of candy. Sucking on lollipops can cause sugar to mix with your saliva and further spread to other areas of your mouth. Even just biting lollipops or hard candies can cause unexpected trauma or damage to your teeth.
Chips and Popcorn
While certain types of chips may be relatively safe for your teeth and gums, popcorn (especially if it’s coated with flavours or sugar) can stick in between your teeth and get lodged within your mouth for long periods of time. Be mindful when eating these types of treats, and try to use mouthwash and floss afterward.
Sugar-Free Candy and Alternatives
If you are looking for the best types of treats and candy for your dental health, it’s best to go the sugar-free route. These types of candies will be labelled accordingly and will not contain sugar, but may contain sweeteners or alternatives. They are usually just as tasty and delicious as your typical popular candies and can be found just as easily at your local supermarket or grocery store.
Brush and Floss After Eating
Always remember when consuming candy and other sugary snacks that you should be practicing regular and excellent dental hygiene. This is especially important during Halloween and other festivities when sugar consumption is on the rise. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, and floss every night to keep your smile fresh and gleaming. Always attend your dental appointments and never be afraid to speak to a dental professional should any needs arise.
Now that we’ve summed up some of the best and worst Halloween snacks for your dental and oral health, you should have a good idea of what to buy to give out and what you should allow your children to eat. Keep in mind that although you can filter your candy as much as you’d like, it’s also a good idea to visit your dentist if you suspect that you may have a cavity or any dental issue related to your sugar intake.
For more information on keeping your teeth healthy or if you’d like to speak to a dentist in Mississauga or the GTA, please call Bristol Dental at 866-673-2109 or contact us here. We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Halloween!
