This Type Of Halloween Candy May Be The Worst For Your Teeth

With Halloween just around the corner, everyone needs to start thinking about what kinds of candy to stock up on. According to Candy Store, Skittles, Reese's Cups, and M&Ms rank as some of the most popular holiday treats nationwide. If you want to disappoint trick-or-treaters, feel free to give out candy corn, Circus Peanuts, or wax bottles, which all made Candy Store's list of the least popular Halloween candy of 2021. Regardless of which treats you decide to purchase, make sure to keep an eye out for one type of candy that can do more harm than good.

If you want to avoid doing unnecessary damage to your teeth, you should choose your Halloween candy wisely. According to Insider, tacky candy like Starburst have the potential to stick to your teeth and pull out crowns and fillings. Additionally, lollipops get sucked on over a long period of time, which creates acid that can wear down your teeth. Sour powders like Fun Dip do an equal amount of acidic damage, and even sugar-free treats may contain xylitol, a sugar alternative that contains citric acid that can break down tooth enamel. While these confections all present problems, one variety of candy in particular can induce a world of dental hurt.

A dentist's worst nightmare

Insider reports that sticky, chewy candy like gummy bears can do the worst damage to your teeth. The effects stem from the fact that you have to chew this type of sweet more than any other, and bits of it get lodged in hard-to-reach crevices in your teeth. The sugar content and sticky consistency of gummy bears can't do your mouth any favors, but neither can caramel, the second-worst candy to indulge in when it comes to keeping your teeth in great shape. These candies also stick to your teeth and take a long time to dissolve, making them less than ideal if you want to hand out wholesome treats for the trick-or-treaters this year.

When you need to stock up on candy for Halloween this year, try not to prioritize sticky candy like gummy bears or caramels in order to ensure the kids in your area don't have to make too many trips to the dentist this year. After all, nothing's scarier than unexpected dental work!