Dentists Weigh in on the Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Your Teeth

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Oct 27, 2017, 13:05 ET

ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With Halloween comes a stockpile of candy that can lead to cavities if you are not careful. When selecting candy, some types can do more damage than others. To help you sort through the trick-or-treat bag, the Georgia Dental Association offers a rundown on common Halloween candies and their impact on teeth.

"As dentists, we would like our patients to opt for healthy snacks, but it's OK to eat that candy on Halloween as a splurge as long as you're brushing twice a day, flossing once a day all year long and seeing your dentist regularly," says Georgia Dental Association dentist, Dr. Janice Lee.

If you plan on indulging on candy this Halloween, the Georgia Dental Association offers the following guide to the best and worst types of candies for your teeth.

Chocolate-Amazingly enough, chocolate is probably your best bet, which is good because it's also one of the most popular kinds of candy handed out on Halloween. Chocolate is one of the better candies because it washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy. Dark chocolate also has less sugar than milk chocolate.
Sugarfree Gum-Here is one treat that is actually good for your teeth, especially if the sweetener is Xylitol, which helps prevent cavities. Research shows that chewing sugarfree gum after meals, or after chowing down on Halloween candy, stimulates saliva production, which helps prevent cavities. Look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Sticky and Gummy Candies-Be picky if it's sticky. These are some of the worst candies for your teeth. This candy is harder to remove and may stay longer on your teeth, which gives that cavity-causing bacteria more time to work.
Hard Candy-Hard candies are also ones to watch on Halloween. They can actually break your teeth if you're not careful. You also tend to keep these kinds of candies in your mouth for longer periods of time so the sugar is getting in your saliva and washing over your teeth.
Sour Candy-You might want to pass on things that make you pucker – especially if they are sticky and coated in sugar. Sour candy can be very acidic and that acidity can weaken and damage the hard outer shell of your teeth, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
Popcorn Balls-Have some floss handy if you're enjoying one of these fall favorites. Kernels can get stuck in-between your teeth. They are also sticky, sugary and can be hard.

Regular visits to your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur early, when they are easy to treat. To read more about how having a dental home positively affected real Georgians and to find a dentist near you, visit becauseisawmydentist.com.

About the Georgia Dental Association

The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is the state's largest dental association, representing more than 3,300 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information in Georgia, the GDA has promoted the highest standards of dentistry through education, advocacy and professionalism since 1859. A constituent of the American Dental Association, the GDA is based in Atlanta.