As dental professionals, we’d ideally love for our patients to choose healthy snacks over candy this Halloween. However, we know that’s not always realistic. The good news is that you can fill your trick-or-treat bag and still be kind to your teeth. Here’s a ranking of popular Halloween treats, from the best to the worst for your dental health.

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The Good Guys

  • Sugar-free gum: The best choice this Halloween! It leaves no sticky residue and is sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar that bacteria cannot use to form plaque. Sugar-free gum also prevents cavities by dislodging food particles and increasing saliva, which neutralizes acids and protects your teeth.
  • Chocolate: Opt for chocolate without sticky fillings. It doesn’t cling to teeth, making it a much better option if you’re craving sweets. Dark chocolate is even better because its antioxidants can benefit your heart and may help lower blood pressure.

The In-Between

  • Sugary snacks: Candy corn, cookies, and cakes are high in sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. Candy corn, while a Halloween favorite, is especially sugary and produces acid that harms teeth.
  • Hard candy: Lollipops and jawbreakers don’t stick to teeth but take a long time to dissolve, increasing the acidity in your mouth. Be cautious with jawbreakers, as they can chip teeth.
  • Sour candy: These are highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel quickly, particularly in children. Powdery candies like Pixie Stix dissolve quickly but consist entirely of sugar, which promotes cavities by feeding bacteria.

The Worst Offenders

  • Chewy and sticky sweets: Gummy candies, taffy, caramel, dried fruits, and even candies with coconut or nuts are the worst for your teeth. These treats cling to teeth and grooves, allowing bacteria to produce acid over a longer period and causing cavities.

The General Rule

The stickier the candy, the worse it is for your teeth. When possible, opt for sugar-free alternatives to protect your smile and make your next dental appointment a breeze!

Share Your Trick-or-Treat Plans!

What are you putting in your neighborhood trick-or-treat bags? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to join us downtown on Halloween for Redmond’s Festival for the Kids. We’ll be handing out treats in front of the vacant Redmond Athletic Club from 4-6 pm. See you there!