Worst Candies for Your Teeth

November 20, 2013

As October is upon us, the grocery store aisles are filling with candy. We thought we’d help encourage you to a more tooth friendly Halloween this year. We are starting this series of blog posts with a list of the worst candies for your teeth.


Sticky Candy

Sticky candies, such as caramel and taffy, pose a double threat to your teeth. These types of candies can pull out a filling, onlay, inlay or crown. Additionally, these candies stick to your teeth, especially in the grooves and pits. This means that the bacteria in your mouth can feed on the sugar that is stuck in your teeth for longer periods of time and can produce more acid. Both weaken your teeth and may cause cavities.


Nutty Candy

Candies that are filled with or contain nuts also have hazards, especially if you enjoy these candies better when frozen. When eating nutty candies, you have to watch out for the cracking of a tooth or a filling. These candies will commonly get stuck in the grooves and pits of your teeth as well.


Hard Candy

Hard candies bring about similar problems, as chewing them may crack a tooth. On the other hand, if you suck on them instead, you are increasing the length of time that the candy is in your mouth. This gives the bacteria in your mouth more time to feed on the sugars in the candy and lower the pH of your mouth to create an acidic atmosphere. The longer the pH of your mouth stays lowered, the more damage that is done to your teeth.


Sour Candy

Sour candy creates different conditions in your mouth that can harm your teeth. On average, sour candies are more acidic than other candy. The acidity of the candy combined with the sugar content, creates a very acidic environment in your mouth. Your saliva will naturally return the pH in your mouth to neutral, but sour candy may make it take longer than the standard 30 minutes, leaving your teeth more exposed to acid erosion.


As all candy increases the acidity of your mouth, it is best to wait for at least a half hour after eating before brushing your teeth. Brushing will help remove any excess food or candy that is stuck in your teeth. An acidic environment weakens your tooth structure and brushing before your saliva has restored the pH balance will cause enamel erosion.


The best way you can enjoy your Halloween treats is to be aware of the potential risks and harm that come with them. Our Evanston dentists encourage you to enjoy Halloween, but make sure you keep your teeth in mind when it comes to snack time. Make sure to visit our blog again next week and find out what are some of the more tooth friendly treats that you can enjoy this Halloween season.

The post Worst Candies for Your Teeth appeared first on Stephens Dentistry.

June 24, 2025
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and transformation. As your body adapts to nurture new life, your needs evolve—including your dental care. At Stephens Dentistry, we’re passionate about supporting expectant mothers through every stage of this journey. Understanding the connection between oral health and pregnancy is not just important for your smile, but for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.  How Pregnancy Impacts Oral Health Pregnancy brings about a surge in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which can have a profound effect on your gums and teeth. Many women notice changes in their oral health during pregnancy, including increased sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding gums. These shifts aren't just uncomfortable—they can also signal conditions that need attention to safeguard your overall health. Pregnancy Gingivitis: What You Need to Know One of the most common dental issues during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , up to 60–75% of pregnant women develop gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This occurs because hormonal changes heighten the body’s response to the bacteria in dental plaque. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis—a more serious gum infection that can cause tooth loss and has been linked to health risks beyond the mouth. Oral Health and Birth Outcomes The importance of oral health during pregnancy goes beyond comfort and aesthetics. Research has shown a significant link between maternal gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. A systematic review published in the Journal of Dental Research found that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver prematurely or have babies with low birth weights. Although more research is ongoing, the potential connection means that taking care of your gums and teeth is an essential part of prenatal health. Why Dental Care Shouldn’t Wait Some expectant mothers worry about dental treatments during pregnancy. The good news is that routine dental care—including cleanings and necessary treatments—are not only safe but recommended during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists confirms that preventive dental work is important and can be performed safely, especially in the second trimester. Delaying care can allow small problems to become bigger ones, and untreated infections can pose a risk to both you and your baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, scheduling a dental checkup beforehand is an excellent way to get ahead of any issues. Practical Tips for Expectant Mothers Maintaining oral health during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to keep your smile healthy throughout your pregnancy: Brush and Floss Regularly: Aim to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and reduce your risk of gingivitis. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutritious foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which support both your oral and overall health. Manage Morning Sickness: If you experience vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash rather than brushing immediately afterward, as stomach acid can soften tooth enamel. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and can also help combat dry mouth, which is common in pregnancy. Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Let your dental team know you are pregnant so they can tailor your care. At Stephens Dentistry, we take extra precautions to ensure your comfort and safety during each visit. Learn more about our preventive dental services . Recognizing When to Call Your Dentist While mild gum sensitivity is common, it’s important to reach out to your dentist if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or pain. These symptoms could indicate an infection that needs prompt attention. If you develop a dental emergency during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist—timely care is always the best choice for both you and your baby. Supporting Your Health at Stephens Dentistry At Stephens Dentistry, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized dental care for every stage of life—including pregnancy. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest guidelines and safety protocols to ensure you receive the best care possible. For more information on how we support our patients during pregnancy, visit our dental care for families page. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and your smile should be a part of it. Prioritizing your oral health is a gift to yourself and your growing family. If you have questions or want to schedule your next dental visit, contact our office —we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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