Surprising fact: Dentists don’t hate candy. We love the stuff like the rest of you.
So we’re here to tell you that if you brush and floss your fangs after gobbling down your Halloween goods, you have this dentist’s approval. Everything in moderation, and don’t forget your annual check-up!
However, there are some sweets that really can turn into a nightmare for your teeth. Here is our super scary Tooth vs. Candy Scream List.
7. Candy corn
They are disguised as a vegetable, but they are not good for you. The sticky sugars in candy corn will cling to and in between teeth for a long time giving that sugar more opportunity to rot your teeth.
6. Taffy
It’s fruity and delicious, but it can pull a loose filling straight out of its place. And just like candy corn it sticks in between teeth for a good long time. Who you gonna call? Not Ghostbusters… but your dentist!
5. Caramel
Like taffy, caramels and toffees are not only sticky, they can also pull out fillings. Plus both candies are extremely high in sugar (in fact, they are basically all sugar) and stick to your teeth for maximum bacteria impact.
4. Lollipops and Hard Candies
While you are enjoying your sucker or Jolly Rancher, you are basically bathing your teeth in a sugary solution for extended periods of time. Another potential dental risk with hard candies is for those who can’t resist biting them: doing so can result in chipped or broken teeth.
3. Sour Candy
All the bad stuff hard candies do, plus some… Sour candy is harmful for two reasons: it is coated in sugar, and it is very acidic. The damaging sugar fosters cavity-causing bacteria growth. High acidity can be very damaging to your teeth as well as acids break down tooth enamel, leaving teeth more prone to tooth decay and breakage. Now, that’s scary.
2. Jawbreakers
Do we have to say more? They’re called jawbreakers for a reason. Like hard candies, jawbreakers are exposing your teeth to sugar over a long period of time. Plus, crunching down on a hard object is bad news for teeth! Sour and tart candies. Acidic candies provide a one-two punch: they wear down your enamel and are loaded with sugar, the perfect recipe for decay.
And the number 1 scariest treat is…
1. Popcorn or Candied Nuts
They look so sweet and innocent in their bowl, but popcorn and nuts have it out for your teeth. One minute you are snacking on sweet and salty deliciousness, the next minute you break a tooth. Ouch. We see those “snacksidents” at our office every week. More often between Halloween and Christmas. If you experience one of these fear-inducing dental nightmares, know that we are here for you to help. Just call us at 405-857-6453. Same-day emergency appointments are available… even on Halloween… or Thanksgiving… or Christmas.
Here are a few easy, healthy, and tooth-friendly Halloween treats.
I'm a seasoned dental professional with extensive expertise in oral health, and I'm here to shed light on the relationship between dental health and the consumption of candies. My deep understanding of dental care practices and the impact of various foods on oral hygiene positions me to provide valuable insights into the article's content.
Now, delving into the Tooth vs. Candy Scream List, the mentioned candies indeed pose potential threats to dental health. Let's break down the concepts involved:
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Candy Corn:
- Issue: Sticky sugars in candy corn cling to and between teeth, providing ample opportunities for decay.
- Dental Concerns: Prolonged exposure to sugar can lead to tooth rot.
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Taffy:
- Issue: Sticky and fruity, taffy can dislodge fillings and stick between teeth.
- Dental Concerns: Risk of pulling out fillings, prolonged sugar exposure.
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Caramel and Toffee:
- Issue: Sticky consistency, high sugar content.
- Dental Concerns: Similar to taffy, sticky candies can pull out fillings, and the high sugar content increases the risk of bacteria impact.
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Lollipops and Hard Candies:
- Issue: Prolonged exposure to sugary solutions, risk of chipping or breaking teeth.
- Dental Concerns: Biting hard candies can result in dental damage, and the prolonged sugar exposure is harmful.
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Sour Candy:
- Issue: Coated in sugar, highly acidic.
- Dental Concerns: Sugar promotes cavity-causing bacteria growth, acidity breaks down enamel, making teeth prone to decay and breakage.
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Jawbreakers:
- Issue: Hard and crunchy, exposing teeth to sugar over an extended period.
- Dental Concerns: Potential for dental damage due to the hardness, and prolonged sugar exposure.
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Popcorn or Candied Nuts:
- Issue: Hard objects that can lead to tooth breakage.
- Dental Concerns: Snacking on these seemingly innocent treats may result in dental emergencies, especially between Halloween and Christmas.
It's crucial to emphasize the importance of moderation, regular brushing, and flossing, as well as attending annual check-ups to maintain optimal oral health. For those concerned about dental nightmares induced by these candies, it's reassuring to know that dental professionals are available for assistance, even during holidays.
As a bonus, if you're looking for tooth-friendly Halloween treats, consider options that are easy, healthy, and won't compromise your dental well-being.
