This time every year, the leaves start to fade from green to brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red. The temperature starts to drop, and shorts and t-shirts get stuffed back into drawers and are exchanged for sweaters and jackets. And while these may be the telltale signs of autumn’s arrival, there are also far spookier indications that announce the advent of something far more dastardly. And yes, it’s the best and worst candy for your teeth.
You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? Haven’t you seen the skeletons and spiderwebs all around the city? Haven’t you seen the witches and monsters running amuck? And don’t even get me started on the jack-o’-lanterns with their glowing eyes!
Yup, it’s that time of year again. Happy Halloween, boys and ghouls! We hope you have your costumes picked out because October 31st is just a handful of days away. And while we can all rest assured that the ghosts and goblins we see around town are make-believe, there’s something that haunts most Americans on Halloween – and no, it’s not Casper. It’s candy!
Halloween Candy Can Cause Creepy Cavities
Did you know that we as Americans buy nearly 600-million pounds of candy each year? I know Halloween is supposed to be scary, but for dentists, that’s a total nightmare! For all the parents out there, you know that candy means cavities, and cavities can put a strain on your budget. That’s why we’re sharing the best and the worst Halloween candy for your kid’s dental health.
The Worst Candy For Your Teeth
To be frank, anything really sugary in general is no good, especially in large quantities, but always urge against sour candies as they do double damage because they’re not just sweet – they’re acidic too! Just so you can be on the safe side this Halloween, here’s an actual list of the worst candy for your teeth:
- Suckers or lollipops
- Jolly Ranchers
- Werther’s Original Hard Candies
- Peppermints
- Lifesavers (the hard kind)
- Runts
- Jawbreakers (because of the sugar and the hardness!!!)
- Gummy worms, bears, rings, etc.
- Gumdrops
- Dots
- Skittles
- Jellybeans
- Candy corn
- Marshmallows
- Caramel squares
- MilkyWay Bars
- Snickers
- Butterscotch
- And much, much more!
The Worst Candy For Your Teeth
Listen, we’re not telling you not to go out and have a fun night or enjoy your treats. So let’s compromise a little. Out of the candy world, plain chocolates or chocolates with nuts or peanut butter are better than the other candies we listed above. Don’t get me wrong; they’re still chock-full of sugar, but moderation and good hygiene are the key here. While we always suggest sugar-free candies to our patients, taking these tips and tricks into account should allow you and your family to enjoy some sweet treats without any of the spooky dental issues!
Schedule Your Next Appointment with Midtown Dental Group
Like we mentioned in our blog post last week, we know that some folks might be scared of the dentist especially around this time of year, but with Midtown Dental Group, you don’t have to worry! Stay on top of your oral hygiene this Halloween and book a dental cleaning today!
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