How to Enjoy Your Halloween Haul Without Hurting Your Teeth

That “healthier” box of raisins may be tougher on your teeth than a chocolate bar. A dentist breaks down which leftover treats pose the biggest risks, and the simple habits that can help keep your smile intact.

The jump scares may be over, but you’re probably still enjoying the rest of your Halloween treats, and while dentists agree that too much candy can damage your teeth, there’s enough wiggle room to enjoy your Halloween loot.

A woman eating candy | Source: Pexels

“I’m never going to be the dentist who says, ‘Don’t enjoy Halloween. Don’t have candy,’” says Dr. Marc Lazare, a New York City dentist who has practiced for nearly 30 years. But while Lazare is a fan of the annual tradition, he says the key to enjoying your haul is moderation to avoid cavities.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 90% of adults have had at least one cavity, so it’s very common. Cavities develop when bacteria in plaque (that sticky buildup on your teeth) combine with sugar and acidic foods.

“The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth for elongated periods,” says Dr. Erinne Kennedy, a dentist and former consumer adviser spokesperson for the American Dental Association. And with time, that can damage the tooth’s hard outer layer, called the enamel, leading to a cavity.

A woman getting her teeth checked | Source: Pexels

But not all candy affects your teeth the same way, and Lazare evaluates treats by the kind of damage they can cause.

He notes that anything that will “force a crunch” isn’t good, so hard candy can crack a tooth, especially one with a filling or crown.

As for candies with caramel or sticky sweets, Lazare warns that they can cling to the teeth and even pull out fillings or crowns. Chewy candy can also get stuck between teeth, prolonging what Lazare calls an “acid attack.”

A cup of gummy bears | Source: Pexels

Meanwhile, sour candy exposes enamel to extra acid, while raisins, which may seem like the healthier option, can also stick to the teeth. In fact, “Raisins are probably one of the worst things you can have for your teeth,” Lazare says.

So what candy is easier on your teeth? Chocolate, because it melts and dissolves quickly. If you love dark chocolate, that’s even better since it usually has lower sugar, though beware of fillings like toffee or raisins.

A woman biting into a bar of chocolate | Source: Pexels

It can be tempting to snack on candy the whole day, especially if you have a sweet tooth, but consider enjoying it in one sitting instead to limit acid exposure. After indulging, rinse with water, then wait about an hour before brushing your teeth, since acid can temporarily soften enamel. Another trick is to chew sugar-free gum to help clear away food and get saliva flowing.

A woman brushing her teeth | Source: Pexels

If a filling or crown comes off, “don’t panic,” Lazare advises. “Stop chewing on that side, save any crown or restoration that comes off, and contact your dentist promptly. Never try to reattach it with household glue.” And if you have severe pain, swelling, or significant bleeding, seek urgent dental care.