9 worst Halloween candies for your teeth, according to a dentist
Dentists are cringing as Halloween rolls around once again. As is customary, children around the globe will go door-to-door and accumulate pounds upon pounds of treats pure sugar, which most kids will attempt to consume in one mere sitting.
Of course, parents should try to limit candy consumption for not only their sanity’s sake, but for their dentist’s sake as well. Letting children indulge is part of the fun, but parents should remind their kids to brush and floss, especially after the holiday.
“It’s important to let your hair down and let kids be kids,” said Dr. Ramin Tabib to AOL Lifestyle. “We [need to] make sure that they brush their teeth for a longer period than normal to remove any remaining sticky candies left behind.”
Here’s what made Dr. Tabib’s list of the worst candies: 9 PHOTOSWorst Halloween candies for your teeth, according to a dentistSee GalleryWorst Halloween candies for your teeth, according to a dentist
Butterfinger
Dr. Ramin has three words to describe the candy: "Sticky. Sugary. Gooey."
Swedish Fish
Because of the stickiness of Swedish Fish, the candy "lingers" around in the crevices of your teeth.
Lollipops
Dr. Tabib says the candy "bathes your teeth for a long time with sugar."
Tootsie Rolls
Another popular go-to, Tootsie Rolls are a cavity haven because they "stick around."
Sour Patch Kids
Kids should also avoid the candy because they are "acidic and bathe mouth in sugar."
Laffy Taffy
"Too sticky!" says the dentist of the candy.
Jolly Ranchers
Jolly Ranchers can literally "break teeth."
Caramel Chews
Like the other candies, the sugar-filled caramel chews are "too sticky!" and can wreak havoc on your chompers.
Gummy Worms
Sour or not sour, gummy worms are very "very acidic!".
See Gallery
And while the doctor behind NYC Smile Design understands that kids should be kids, he also knows that not all candies are created equal. “The worst candies are the ones that linger around,” he explained, “or the ones that are in contact with teeth for a long time and constantly bathe the teeth with sugar and feed the cavity causing bacteria.”
Instead, parents should keep an eye out for candies made with dark chocolate and Stevia. “Dark chocolate contains naturally occurring polyphenols… that limit the bad effects of sugar,” he said. Parents should also look out for “candies that are sweetened with Stevia that are naturally occurring and won’t promote cavities,” the dentist concluded.
Shop Dr. Tabib’s favorite candies below:
Get the candies
- Buy It
Smart Sweets, $8.34
Buy It
- Buy It
Lilly's Sweets Chocolate Bar, $8.18
Buy It
- Buy It
PUR Gum, $4.12
Buy It
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