As much as we all strive to live healthily and feed our families balanced, nutritious meals, there’s no denying that candy is one of life’s fun little indulgences. And while most people would agree that enjoying a sweet treat every once in a while is perfectly fine, it’s especially important to keep proper oral care (like brushing twice a day, every day) in mind after enjoying those treats.
It’s also important to consider the types of candy we’re eating. As the American Dental Association (ADA) points out, when it comes to chocolate vs. chewy candy, one option is definitely better for our overall oral health!
Healthy Teeth: Chocolate Candy vs. Chewy Candy
According to Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty, DMD, ADA-certified dentist, and dentistry practitioner in San Antonio, TX, “chocolate is one of the better candies because it washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy.” Additionally, research into dark chocolate (which has less sugar than milk chocolate), suggests that the cocoa flavonoids it contains may help with blood pressure and heart disease. So if you or your kids are really itching for a sweet treat, try to opt for dark chocolate. The higher the cocoa count, the better!
On the other side of the spectrum, one of the worst kinds of candy for teeth is sour chewy candy. Not only can sour candy be “highly acidic,” chewy candy can be harder to remove from teeth, which means cavity-causing bacteria has more time to work.
Protecting Your Teeth From Chocolate and Candy
So what should you do if your kids (and you) still want to occasionally enjoy some gummy bears or candy bars? Make sure to fight back against cavity-causing bacteria with good brushing habits. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste — Aquafresh Bubblemint toothpaste for kids over the age of 2 and Aquafresh Extreme Clean Whitening toothpaste for adults — helps protect teeth from cavities and freshens breath. (Pro tip: make sure to talk to your child’s dentist first to find out the most appropriate time to get them started on a fluoride toothpaste.)
FAQs
So if you or your kids are really itching for a sweet treat, try to opt for dark chocolate. The higher the cocoa count, the better! On the other side of the spectrum, one of the worst kinds of candy for teeth is sour chewy candy.
What's worse for your teeth, chocolate or candy? ›
Generally speaking, chocolate is easy (or at least easier) to rinse off your teeth than other types of candy. Unlike caramels and nougats that get stuck, chocolate melts nicely and goes down more completely. That's not to say that it leaves no residue, just that it leaves less than it's candy cousins.
What is the safest candy for your teeth? ›
Chocolate: Chocolate is considered the safest overall candy for your child's teeth. This is fortunate because it is also the most popular, even if it's messier than the others on the list.
Why is chewy candy bad for your teeth? ›
Chewy candy can negatively impact your teeth because it may get stuck between them and be difficult to remove. Sticky candy may also damage any fillings or crowns, which often requires dental work. Examples of chewy candy include: Caramel.
Is hard candy worse than soft candy? ›
Hard candy is the worst. Sucking on it means more time in your mouth to coat your teeth with sugar, and crunching down on it means trapping bits in the grinding surfaces of your molars.
Which is worse, chocolate or gummy candy? ›
The higher the cocoa count, the better! On the other side of the spectrum, one of the worst kinds of candy for teeth is sour chewy candy. Not only can sour candy be “highly acidic,” chewy candy can be harder to remove from teeth, which means cavity-causing bacteria has more time to work.
What happens to your teeth if you eat candy everyday? ›
When sugar is consumed it interacts with the bacteria within the plaque to produce acid [1]. This acid is responsible for tooth decay because it slowly dissolves the enamel creating holes or cavities in the teeth. Tooth decay can lead to tooth abscesses, which may result in the tooth having to be removed [2].
Are starburst bad for your teeth? ›
Any type of sticky candy from AirHeads, to Starburst, to Now-n-Laters, will stay on the teeth longer, which lets bacteria thrive on the sugar and cause tooth decay. even dried fruit can cause problems.
What's the worst candy for your teeth? ›
Sticky or chewy candy is top of the list for candy to avoid. This is because the chewier and stickier a candy is, the more likely that it will leave a sugary residue in the crevices of your teeth or between your teeth.
What's worse for your teeth, chocolate or sweets? ›
The ADA states that chocolate washes off the teeth more quickly than other candies. Dark chocolate (70% cacao) does have some health benefits. Some studies have shown chocolate is not as bad as other sugary treats.
Starches and simple carbs may be even worse than sugar for your dental health because you don't think of them as “sugary.” Unfortunately, your mouth does treat them that way. Pasta can be safe to eat if you're careful not to get food particles stuck between your teeth. Floss if necessary.
Should I eat chocolate or protect my teeth? ›
While chocolate can pose risks to tooth health, choosing dark chocolate with higher cocoa content, consuming it in moderation, and maintaining good oral hygiene habits can help minimize these effects. Additionally, it's essential to be mindful of overall sugar intake and include a balanced diet to support oral health.
Is dark chocolate healthier than candy? ›
Although there are some downsides, dark chocolate is overall a healthier choice if you're looking for a delicious way to finish off a meal. “And you'll need less of it to get satisfaction than you would from other sweets,” Peart says.
