Halloween Lollies: Which Ones Are Worst for Your Teeth?
Halloween is nearly here, which means a lot of lollies are about to find their way into your house.
Most of us know sugar isn’t great for our teeth. What fewer people realise is that not all lollies are equal. Some do far more damage than others, and the reason has less to do with how much sugar they contain and more to do with how they behave in your mouth.
It’s about how long the sugar stays
Every time you eat something sugary, the bacteria in your mouth feed on it and produce acid. That acid attacks your enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, but also one that can’t grow back once it’s worn away. After you finish eating, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes for your saliva to neutralise the acid and start repairing the surface.
So the real question isn’t just how sweet a lolly is. It’s how long it keeps your teeth sitting in sugar and acid.
The worst offenders
Sticky and chewy lollies. Toffee, caramels, jelly lollies and candy corn cling to the grooves of your back teeth and settle between them, keeping sugar in contact with your enamel for far longer than other treats. They can also dislodge loose fillings.
Sour lollies. These are a double hit. They contain plenty of sugar, and the sour taste comes from acids that soften enamel directly, before the bacteria in your mouth are even involved.
Hard lollies and lollipops. They dissolve slowly, so your teeth are bathed in sugar for as long as you’re sucking. Biting down on them is also one of the most common ways people chip or crack a tooth.
Better choices
Chocolate is the lesser evil. It melts and clears from your mouth faster than most lollies, and dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate. Sugar-free gum, especially gum containing xylitol, is another good option because it increases saliva flow, which helps neutralise acid.
How to enjoy Halloween without the damage
- Eat lollies in one sitting rather than grazing all evening. Constant snacking means constant acid attacks.
- Have sweets with or straight after a meal, when saliva flow is higher.
- Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
- Wait around 30 minutes before brushing after sour or acidic lollies, so you’re not scrubbing softened enamel.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, as usual.
- Put the leftovers away instead of leaving a bowl out all week.
The short version
Halloween treats are part of the fun, and one night of lollies won’t ruin your teeth. What matters is the type of lolly, how often you eat them, and what you do afterwards. Sticky, sour and slow-dissolving lollies are the ones to watch.
If it’s been a while since your last check-up, the end of the lolly season is a good time to book one. We can check for early signs of decay and make sure your enamel is in good shape.
Due for a check-up? Find out more about our services at Fendalton Dental or call us on 03 351 1188 to book an appointment.