5 Worst Halloween Candies for Your Teeth (and the 5 Best) According to a Dentist

Halloween is just around the corner, which means about 35 million costume-clad kids will be hitting the streets for trick-or-treating. It also means that they will be coming home with buckets full of candy. It's no secret that sugar is terrible for your teeth. But you might be surprised to learn that some candy is worse than others when it comes to dental hygiene. Dr. Kevin Sands, a board-certified cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, California, recently revealed to Fox News Digital the best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth. 

Hard candies, especially jawbreakers and suckers, are extremely bad for your teeth. "These candies don't just pose a risk of chipping or cracking your teeth if bitten down on too hard, but their prolonged presence in your mouth provides bacteria with a long sugar feast," Dr. Sands said. "This can potentially lead to cavities."

Sticky or gummy candies, like taffy and caramels, are also bad. "Their sticky nature means they often get lodged in the nooks and crannies of the teeth, making them difficult to remove even after brushing," Dr. Sands said. "These sugar residues can promote bacteria growth and tooth decay."

Sour candies might be tangy but they are terrible for your death, primarily because they are acidic. "Many sour candies have a pH level dangerously close to battery acid," Sands noted. "Continual exposure to such acidity can cause the enamel to break down, leading to sensitivity and other dental issues."

Sugar-free candies might seem like the lesser of all evils, but they are actually pretty bad for your teeth. Dr. Sands explains that they often contain citric acid, which can still wear down enamel.

Chewy candies, including nougat and toffee, can stick to the teeth, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. "These bacteria can then produce acids that erode enamel and cause tooth decay," Dr. Sands said. 

Chocolate is a slightly safer option than most other candies. "It dissolves quickly and is less likely to get stuck on or between teeth," Dr. Sands said. "In particular, dark chocolate, with its reduced sugar content and rich antioxidants, can be a more tooth-friendly treat."

Powdered candies, including pixie sticks, dissolve quickly in the mouth and don't stick to the teeth for an extended period, reducing the risk of tooth decay, said Sands.

Smarties quickly dissolve in the mouth, according to Dr. Sands, minimizing the time sugar is in contact with the teeth.

Yogurt-covered raisins might not get your child very excited, but at least their teeth won't suffer. "While they contain sugar, yogurt-covered raisins are less sticky than caramel or toffee-based candies," Sands said.

While not considered candy, plain or lightly salted popcorn are the lesser of all evils when it comes to Halloween treats, says Sands.