Tricky Treats: The Worst Candies for Your Teeth
1. Chewy Candies
Examples: Now & Laters, Mary Janes, Bit’O’Honeys
Chewy candies are number one on this list for a reason. Serious bite pressure is needed to break up chewy candies into manageable bites. That itself can damage your teeth. Once in your mouth, chewy candies adhere to the crevices between your teeth. The sugary stuff is likely to get stuck in between your teeth—right where you are most vulnerable to cavities. If you do choose a chewy treat, make sure to floss after.
2. Sour Sweets
Examples: Warheads, Sour Patch Kids, Sour Skittles
Q: How do they make that lip-puckering sensation?
A: With lots and lots of acid. Sour candies are highly acidic. Most also contain a substantial amount of sugar. This means a double whammy for your tooth enamel. The acid weakens enamel while abrasive sugar rubs it away, leading to tooth decay and possibly even tooth loss.
3. Lollipops
Examples: Dum-Dums, Tootsie Pops, Blow Pops
Lollipops aren’t significantly sweeter than other candies, but the way they are typically consumed lands them on this list. Lollipops take longer to eat than most candies. The longer sugar sits on your teeth the worse it is for your enamel.