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
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.
Is chocolate or candy worse for your teeth? ›
Chocolate, in fact, tops the list of the best candy options for your teeth. Chocolate is easily washed away, leaving little residue.
Is candy or chocolate worse for you? ›
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 ...
Is chewy bad for your teeth? ›
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.
Is chewy candy bad for you? ›
Chewy candy can negatively impact your teeth because it may get stuck between them and be difficult to remove.
Are gummy bears healthier than chocolate? ›
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.
What is the most unhealthy candy for your teeth? ›
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.
What is the unhealthiest chocolate to eat? ›
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.
Is chocolate healthier than hard candy? ›
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 thing for your teeth? ›
10 Most Damaging Habits to Teeth
- Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. ...
- Chewing ice. ...
- Eating frequently. ...
- Substituting teeth for an extra hand or tools. ...
- Biting lip or tongue piercings. ...
- Sucking cough drops. ...
- Eating gummy candy. ...
- Tobacco Use.
Besides brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing and visiting a dentist regularly, try to avoid or limit the foods below.
- Sour candies. It's usually not surprising that candy is unhealthy for your mouth. ...
- Bread. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Carbonated drinks. ...
- Ice. ...
- Citrus. ...
- Potato chips. ...
- Dried fruits.
Why does chewy candy hurt my 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).
What is better, candy or chocolate? ›
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.
Is chocolate better than candy for teeth? ›
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.
Is it OK to have a piece of candy everyday? ›
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.
What is worse for your teeth than sugar? ›
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.
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 hard candy better than 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.
How to eat chocolate without damaging teeth? ›
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.