With Halloween fast approaching, many are eagerly anticipating a night filled with costumes and sweets. However, dentists are warning that while sugary treats may be a highlight for trick-or-treaters, they pose serious risks to oral health. Experts from Inglewood Family Dental have identified some of the most popular Halloween sweets that could cause damage to your teeth if consumed in excess.
Among the top offenders is Candy Corn, often a Halloween staple. Dentists have nicknamed it “Cavity Corn” due to its high sugar content and sticky texture. This sweet easily clings to teeth, making it difficult to remove even with brushing. Prolonged exposure to the sugar in Candy Corn can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. A standard serving of 19 pieces contains 28 grams of sugar, almost the entire recommended daily intake for adults and more than a child should consume in a day.
Another popular treat dentists warn about is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. While beloved by many, these chocolates pack a hefty 21 grams of sugar per serving, providing the perfect environment for harmful bacteria in the mouth to thrive. These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
Jelly Babies, another Halloween favourite, are also on the list of risky sweets. These chewy gummies not only contain 20 grams of sugar in just four pieces but can easily become lodged between teeth, making them difficult to dislodge without careful flossing. The sugary residue that remains between teeth allows bacteria to multiply, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay. The sticky nature of Jelly Babies also poses a risk to those with fillings, as they can pull them out, leading to costly dental repairs.
Swizzels Fruity Pops, commonly found in trick-or-treat bags, are another hazard. Each lolly contains six grams of sugar and can take a long time to consume, leaving teeth exposed to sugar for an extended period. This prolonged exposure gives bacteria more time to produce acid, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Fruity Pops also present a risk of cracking teeth due to their hard texture.
Haribo Starmix, known for its gummy bears and cola-flavoured sweets, is a common choice for Halloween. However, experts warn that the sticky nature of these sweets, combined with their high sugar content, can cause significant harm. Each serving of Haribo contains around 11.75 grams of sugar, and regular consumption can lead to enamel erosion, increasing tooth sensitivity and the risk of decay.
Dentists also caution against candy apples, which, despite being a seasonal favourite, are packed with sugar. A single candy apple contains over 60 grams of sugar, more than twice the recommended daily intake. The hard, sticky coating can cling to teeth, feeding harmful bacteria and contributing to tooth decay. Additionally, biting into the hard shell can damage dental work such as fillings or braces.
Arash Ravanbakhsh from Inglewood Family Dental advises: “Halloween is a fun time, but many popular sweets can pose a threat to your oral health. Sugary and sticky treats cling to teeth and promote decay, while hard sweets can cause fractures. It’s important to enjoy these treats in moderation, maintain good oral hygiene, and visit a dentist if any issues arise.”
Ravanbakhsh also urged those with dental concerns, such as a cracked tooth or lost filling, to seek emergency dental care to prevent further complications.
