Why A Dentist Says Chocolate Is Better For Your Teeth Than These Candies

It is that time of year when Halloween candy is everywhere, lining the aisles of grocery stores, stashed inside kitchen cupboards, and waiting to fill the trick-or-treat bags of children across the nation come October 31. And while the prospect of gathering pounds of delicious candy is no doubt a source of delight for the many excited children who are eagerly planning their costumes and getting ready for a fun night of trick-or-treating, parents might be less than thrilled at the thought of their children chowing down on the piles of their hard-earned Halloween candy.

While sugar is known to make kids hyper, it is also known to erode tooth enamel, causing cavities and other tooth issues, according to My Family Dental. So who can blame parents for feeling a little trepidation at the prospect of dealing with expensive dental bills, all thanks to a few nights of overindulgence in the sweet stuff. But while we can't think of a way to make candy good for teeth, there are a few ways to lessen the negative impact all that sugar can have on our dental health. One of the most important things to note is that not all candies are created equal. Some sugary treats are harder on the teeth than others.

Chocolate is generally a more tooth-friendly choice than candies that are sticky, gummy, or sour.  Cosmetic dentist Dr. Joyce Kahng told Insider that treats like Skittles, caramels, Starbursts, and gummy bears, have a tendency to stick to or between teeth, eroding tooth enamel and potentially damaging crowns or fillings. Fellow dentist Dr. Aaleeyah Alim said sour candies decrease the pH level of your mouth, causing teeth to deteriorate. Lollipops, hard candies, and any other treat that lingers in the mouth for a while can also increase the mouth's acidity over a long period of time. Chocolate, however, "can be eaten quickly, dissolves fast, and washes away from your teeth easily after brushing," Dr. Hajera Ali, a New Jersey-based dentist, explained.

But if you or your child are still dying to indulge in a gummy worm or caramel candy, there are ways to help make the treat a little more mouth-friendly. Eating the candy along with meals can actually reduce the negative impact since eating stimulates saliva production that can help remove food and neutralize damaging acidity. Drinking lots of water while enjoying the candy, as well as brushing about 30 minutes after eating will also help protect your sweet tooth, per My Family Dental.