Trick or treat

🎃🍫 October is here—crunchy leaves, ghosts, pumpkin spice… and of course, candy!

With Halloween around the corner (and October being National Dental Hygiene Month), let’s talk about how all those sweet treats affect your teeth. According to the National Confectioners Association, 98% of Americans welcoming trick-or-treaters this year will be handing out chocolate and candy. But which candies are the worst for your teeth?

Let’s break it down:

👅 Sour Candy – That tangy bite comes from citric acid, which is harsh on enamel. Some sour candies are as acidic as battery acid!

🍬 Sticky Candy – Caramels, taffy, and gummies cling to the grooves of your teeth, making it harder for saliva to wash them away. This gives cavity-causing bacteria more time to feed on sugar and produce harmful acids.

🍭 Hard Candy – Lollipops and jawbreakers can chip or crack teeth (ouch!) when bitten. They also linger in your mouth, coating your teeth in sugar.

🍫 Chocolate – The “least bad” option, since it doesn’t stick as much. Just watch out for chocolate filled with caramel or nougat, as those can cause the same issues as sticky candy.

We know you’ll be enjoying Halloween candy no matter what your dentist says 😅 —so here are some tips to protect your teeth while still enjoying your treats:

✅ Rinse with water immediately after eating candy.

✅ Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to allow saliva to repair weakened enamel. ✅ Brush and floss carefully, especially around your molars and gum line.

✅ Enjoy candy in one sitting instead of snacking all day—less sugar exposure = less risk for cavities.

So go ahead, enjoy those Halloween goodies—but keep your smile both spooky and healthy! 👻🦷✨