Free Cavities: Your Favorite Candies Ranked

‘Tis the season, but no, not for ole St. Nick (yet!), but ‘tis definitely the season for sugar, candy, and yet more sugar. Most people might think that Halloween has to be a dentist’s least favorite holiday. While it might not be our favorite, we can’t deny the joy the season tends to bring.

Believe it or not, there are some candies that are better for you than others, and it’s not just the sugar content, although that does make a slight difference. Before you indulge in just any candy, check out which candies we recommend you reach for if you’re going to reach for any, and which ones you should just toss.

If you’re going to indulge, go for:

Sugar Free

Obviously your Valencia dentist would love for all the candy you consume this Halloween season to be sugar free, but that’s probably not going to happen. Although some sugar free candies are instead loaded with chemicals, at least the cavity-causing sugar won’t throw off your healthy pH levels in your mouth and gums. 

Dark Chocolate

Although chocolate is usually packed full of sugar, high quality dark chocolate is loaded full of antioxidants. There have even been studies completed that show the benefits of cacao bean husk extract. While chocolate may not be directly healthy for your teeth due to the added sugar, the overall health benefit of dark chocolate encourages a complete healthy body.

Pass on these:

Taffy (or anything sticky)

The stickier the candy, the longer the candy has to ruin your teeth, especially if it gets stuck in a crevice or cavity. The sugar is literally resting on your teeth as you chew, and working its way into those hard to reach areas. Surprisingly enough, dried fruit has the same effect as sticky candy.

Sour Candy

Sour candies have very high acid levels which directly attack your tooth enamel. The enamel is the part of the tooth that keep the tooth safe and clean. The acid can also irritate any mouth sores and will dehydrate you.

While we would love to encourage veggies and toys being the prized handouts this Halloween, it’s kind of hard to imagine Halloween without a little bit of sugar. If you are following your Valencia Dentist’s recommendation of brushing twice a day and flossing, a little bit of candy should be just fine.

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