Dentists will tell you that ALL Candy can be bad for our kids teeth BUT there's more news now. According to Dr. Kevin Sands, a board-certified cosmetic dentist there are FIVE candies you should have your kids avoid..
Here are his tips.
5 types of Halloween candy to avoid
Hard candies
Jawbreakers and suckers can be particularly damaging to the teeth, Sands warned.
"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," he said.
"This can potentially lead to cavities."
Sticky or gummy candies
Taffy and caramels can be especially troublesome, Sands said.
"Their sticky nature means they often get lodged in the nooks and crannies of the teeth, making them difficult to remove even after brushing," he said. "These sugar residues can promote bacteria growth and tooth decay."
Sour candies
Along with sour candies' appealing tang comes an alarming acidic punch, the dentist cautioned.
"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
It might seem that sugar-free candies are a tooth-friendly choice — but these often contain citric acid, which, despite the absence of sugar, can still wear down enamel, the dentist said.
Chewy candies
Chewy candies like nougat and toffee can stick to the teeth, providing a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
"These bacteria can then produce acids that erode enamel and cause tooth decay," the dentist said.