Which Is Worse For Teeth, Chocolate or Chewy Candy? (2024)

FAQs

Which Is Worse For Teeth, Chocolate or Chewy Candy? ›

Plus, sticky candies also have a tendency to pull out fillings and loosen crowns. Even dried fruits can be dangerous for your teeth. Candies that melt—like M&Ms and other chocolates—are a much more tooth-friendly option. Your saliva should be able to wash away the sugar from melty candy before it can do much damage.

Chocolate, in fact, tops the list of the best candy options for your teeth. Chocolate is easily washed away, leaving little residue.

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 ...

Chewing gum… is it good or bad for your teeth? It all depends on what type. Sugar-free chewing gum made with xylitol helps fight against cavities, bad breath, and more. On the other hand, sugar-loaded chewing gum only contributes towards tooth decay.

Chewy candy can negatively impact your teeth because it may get stuck between them and be difficult to remove.

Gummy bears are made primarly of sugar. Fat-free and lower in calories than many other types of candy, such as milk chocolate, gummy bears might appear to be a healthier sweet treat, but that's just not so.

Sour candy is harmful for two reasons: it is coated in sugar, and it is very acidic. The damaging sugar fosters cavity-causing bacteria growth. High acidity can be very damaging to your teeth as well as acids break down tooth enamel, leaving teeth more prone to tooth decay and breakage.

White chocolate not only has more saturated fat than any other type of chocolate, but lacks the healthy phytochemicals found in cocoa and dark chocolate.

You may know the importance of reducing sugar in your diet, but hard candy can present more problems than a plain chocolate bar. When you eat a piece of hard candy, much of the sugar remains on your teeth. The sticky, sugary film lingers on your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay.

What is the most damaging food for your teeth? ›

Many struggle with this issue after eating sweets or drinking hot or cold drinks. It's usually caused by exposed dentin—the layer beneath enamel that's softer than the outside of your tooth—and it's more common in people who naturally have thinner enamel or gingiva (gums).

Main point is chocolate is better than sour or chewy candy in my opinion because it has much less sugar and tastes just as good. It's perfect for a snack, dessert, or just a craving. According to nationaldaycalendar.com and Nourish by WebMD, chocolate has many more health benefits.

When it comes to sweets and your teeth, time is of the essence. Chewy treats and hard candy stay in the mouth longer than most foods, allowing cavity-causing bacteria to thrive and create plaque. Chocolate, on the other hand, dissolves easily, which means the sugar has less contact with your teeth.

If you're a cookie-and-candy-craver, don't despair. Sweets can be part of a healthy, lifelong eating pattern. But for the least harm and -- don't forget this -- the fullest enjoyment, they should be eaten in moderation. That means in small amounts, or only a couple of times a week.

It may surprise you to learn that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has discovered that starchy foods are worse for our children's teeth than sugar foods. This is due directly to the amount of time the teeth are exposed to each of these substances.

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.

You may know the importance of reducing sugar in your diet, but hard candy can present more problems than a plain chocolate bar. When you eat a piece of hard candy, much of the sugar remains on your teeth. The sticky, sugary film lingers on your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay.

Rinse with Water:

After indulging in chocolate, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away sugar residues and prevent them from lingering on your teeth. Swishing water around your mouth can help dilute acids and reduce the likelihood of enamel erosion, promoting better oral health overall.