The worst Halloween candies for teeth and some of their slightly less awful alternatives from the Denver Dentists at DeWitt Dental Associates.

1. Halloween Candy:
The Worst &
The Slightly Better

2. Gummy Candies
Gummy candies lodge
themselves in crevices
and hard-to-clean
areas of the mouth
where they stick to the
surface of teeth and
encourage decay.

3. Like gummy candy, taffy can stick to
teeth and encourage decay. Sticky taffy
can also damage restorations or loosen
metal dental fillings.
Taffy

4. Chocolate is actually one of the best
Halloween candies. In its basic form
or with nuts added, chocolate
washes off of teeth much better
than other options. Dark chocolate
is preferable as it has less sugar.
A Better Option

5. Hard Candy
Hard candy can chip,
crack, or even break
teeth. Biting hard
candy can also damage
restorations and
encourage tooth decay.

6. Sour candy is especially acidic. This
increases risks of enamel erosion and can
allow for the removal of enamel if teeth
are brushed too soon after consumption.
Sour
Candy

7. Homemade treats are almost always a
better option. Cookies, cakes, and other
baked treats are typically less damaging
to teeth than commercially manufactured
alternatives.
A Better Option

8. Popcorn Balls
Not all homemade treats are safe for
teeth. Popcorn balls can be
particularly threatening to oral
health with the trifecta of sweet,
sticky, and sharp (kernels).

9. Fruit makes a great alternative to candy at Halloween
time. But remember, dried fruit and fruit leather are
almost as bad for teeth as sticky and chewy candies.
Choose fresh fruits for the best experience.
Fruit

10. Enjoy!
Children can enjoy all
sorts of Halloween candy
so long as good habits are
encouraged. Instruct
your children to brush
30-minutes after eating
candy, to floss morning
and night, and to drink
plenty of water
throughout the day to
help keep teeth healthy
and happy for years to
come.

11. Happy Halloween
From DeWitt Dental Associates
To schedule an appointment,
please call (303) 321-5656