From candy corn to caramel-dipped apples, this time of year is marked by all types of sweet treats. According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is expected to reach $9.1 billion this year, with $2.7 billion spent on candy alone.
While candy is considered a hallmark of Halloween, it can be pretty disastrous for your smile, especially when it’s consumed in excess. Fortunately, there are several ways you can minimize the damage that occurs to your dental health this holiday.
One stand-out way to protect your smile is to avoid particular types of candy that are notorious for causing dental trouble. We strongly encourage all of our patients here at Precision Dentistry & Implants to be conscious of the types of Halloween candy they choose.
Halloween Candy & the Decay Process
So, why is Halloween candy so dangerous for the health of your smile?
It all boils down to sugar and the effects of acidity in the mouth. When we consume something sugary, bacteria in the mouth will metabolize these sugars and as a result, create an acid. Over time, the acid will begin to wear down the outer protective layer of the tooth, known as the enamel.
Once the enamel has eroded away, your risk for other dental issues increases significantly. Some of the most common dental problems include:
- Tooth chips or fractures
- Infection of the tooth pulp
- Tooth sensitivity
It’s also important to note that treats other than candy can also harm your smile. For example, starchy treats like popcorn balls are broken down into simple sugars, which are used by bacteria to create harmful acid.
What Type of Candy Should You Avoid?
Not all types of candy will affect your smile the same way. To be cautious this Halloween, we suggest staying away from these candies:
Caramel-filled candy: Be careful of any caramel-filled candies! Since caramel can easily stick to the teeth, you’re exposing your teeth to the harmful effects of sugar for a longer period of time. The longer they are exposed to sugar, the more damage can occur.
Sticky Candy: Like caramel-filled candies, any other type of sticky candy will be harmful for the same reasons. Try avoiding sticky candy like taffy or gummies this Halloween.
Sour Candy: Sour candies are particularly dangerous for two main reasons — sugar and acid. The acidity of these treats in addition to the high sugar content makes it a recipe for dental disaster.
Contact Precision Dentistry & Implants
While Halloween is a great time to indulge in candy and other treats, we encourage you to minimize damage by being selective with the sweets you choose.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about your dental health, don’t hesitate to contact our office! Here at Precision Dentistry & Implants, we offer a variety of services ranging from simple teeth cleanings to full mouth reconstruction to address any of your concerns.
Start your journey to a healthier smile and schedule your next appointment with Dr. Matthew Huff!