Which Halloween Candy Is the Worst for Your Teeth (and Which Ones Aren’t So Scary)?

There are numerous great reasons why Halloween is a favorite holiday for both kids and adults. Dressing up never gets old. It’s a fun-filled evening with friends, free from the stress and pressure that some other holidays bring, and a time when some of the usual rules don’t apply. Unfortunately, tooth decay never takes a day off, and spooky season is also primetime for cavities. The good news is that you don’t need to ban candy–make wise choices. These tips aren’t just for Halloween–they can help all year-round when it comes to making smart decisions with sweets.

Which Halloween Candies Are The Worst for Teeth?

Unfortunately, some of the treats Gen Alpha kiddos crave the most are on the dentist’s naughty list. Are some treats worse than others? What is the worst candy for teeth? Here are a few categories to limit:

• Sticky and chewy candies, including caramels, taffy, and gummies, are more likely to stick to teeth and feed those decay-causing bacteria for an extended period.
• Hard candies and lollipops sit in your mouth for extended periods, bathing teeth in sugar. They also carry a higher risk of cracking a tooth.
• Those ubiquitous sour candies pack a double whammy of high acid and sugar, causing twice the trouble for your enamel.

Which Treats Aren’t So Scary?

Moms pulling the Reese’s cups out of their kids’ buckets as candy tax: we see you. And guess what…when it comes to candy and dental health, those chocolate treats may not be as bad as we think. In fact, chocolate may be one of the best candy options for your teeth.

• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) melts quickly and washes away more easily than pure sugar gummies and sour treats.
• Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production and helps protect against cavities.
• Cute holiday packs of pretzels or chips can go in lunches the next day or offer a break from sugary treats.
• Think small: fun-sized pieces are easier to manage and limit than full-size candy bars.

How Can Parents Manage Candy During Spooky Season (and Beyond)?

It might be tempting to ban candy altogether, but that can create a taboo mindset and keep our kids from enjoying a fun and social holiday. Instead, take a moderate approach with these Halloween tips from your family dentist.

• Set a “candy time” instead of grazing all day. This helps limit the exposure to sugar and creates an easy window to brush after snacking.
• Encourage kids to drink water and brush after eating candy. 
• Trade excess candy for a small toy or fun activity, or donate candy to service members or first responders. Some parents also let their kids enjoy candy on Halloween night, then have a “switch witch” replace it with a toy overnight.
• As you move through the year, maintain the mindset that candy is an occasional treat, not a daily habit.

Is Halloween The Only Time I Should Worry About Candy?

As family dentists and parents, we recognize that our children are often inundated with sweet treats throughout the year. And while Halloween is the main event when it comes to candy, as parents, we need to be mindful all year long. Think about it: birthdays, holidays (Easter is another big one), school events and sports. There’s sugar just about everywhere, and managing what our kids take in can seem impossible. We don’t want to overreact and prevent our kids from joining in fun rituals. But we do want to teach them to make good choices for their teeth and overall well-being. Candy is best when it’s a special treat. So enjoy your tricks and treats, but don’t let Halloween sneak up on you. It’s also a perfect reminder to schedule your end-of-year dental check-up with Greenhill Family Dental Care to keep your family’s smiles healthy throughout the year.