Ghosts, goblins, and…cavities?
Frightening scares this Halloween don’t just include ghost stories and superstitions!
According to the National Retail Federation, it’s expected that roughly seven in 10 Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year. Celebrations can range from trick-or-treating, attending or hosting parties, and of course, eating Halloween candy.
While indulging in sweets is an honored tradition of this spooky holiday, we urge our patients here in Trenton to be mindful of the type of candy they choose. Not all Halloween candy is created equal and there are certainly some choices that can harm your smile more than others.
Unsure about what type of candy you should steer clear of? Here’s a quick round-up of the worst Halloween candy for your dental health.
“What Candy Should I Avoid This Halloween?”
Gummy Candy: Be wary of gummy worms and other chewy candy! The major risk associated with this type of candy is that it can easily stick to your teeth. Your risk for cavities can dramatically increase the longer candy sticks to teeth.
Caramels: Like gummy candy, sweets including caramel-coated apples and caramel-filled candy can stick to the teeth. Caramel is essentially sugar with a gooey texture that sticks to teeth, especially the molars.
Lollipop: Any hard candy that lingers in your mouth can be hazardous to your dental health. Since you keep lollipops in the mouth for an extended amount of time, you’re repeatedly exposing your teeth to sugar that can damage your teeth.
Sour Candy: Sour candy is the most likely to cause cavities because of the combination of harmful ingredients. This type of candy not only contains a ton of sugar but it’s also highly acidic, making it a recipe for disaster in regard to your dental health.
Popcorn Balls: Starchy snacks like popcorn balls also have the potential to harm your smile. Since these snacks are broken down into glucose, bacteria will still metabolize these sugars and create an enamel-eroding acid just as they would with any other candy.
Contact our Office in Trenton
Be sure to keep your smile healthy this Halloween! Whether you have additional questions about your oral health or you need dental treatment, we’re here to help. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Younes.
