If you have a sweet tooth, then November is the month for you. But can consuming candy also be healthy? Here’s what you need to know about how candy affects your teeth.

A Sweet Tooth Holiday

After enjoying candy for Halloween comes National Candy Day 2021, making November a truly memorable month for those who have a sweet tooth.

One thing that people look forward to aside from the scary stories, trick or treat and other spooky things, Halloween is also known for Halloween candy sales. Meanwhile, National Candy Day is held every November 4 to celebrate everything candy-related. People's love for candy dates to as far back as when the ancient Egyptians preserved nuts and fruits in honey while the Aztecs and Mayans invented chocolate for religious rituals.

While there is nothing wrong with indulging in these sweet treats, studies show that eating too much candy is bad not just for your teeth, but for your overall health and wellness.

Why is Candy Bad for Your Teeth

Screen Shot 2021-11-02 at 6
Every year, during Halloween, kids and adults tend to consume lots of candy and chocolate, which is unhealthy. Pixabay (CC0)

It’s no secret that sugar causes cavities, but few of us are aware of how it happens.

Our mouth is naturally full of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are good and help maintain our oral health. However, some are harmful, which feed on the sugar found in candies. This leads to the creation of acids that destroy our teeth's enamel.

When left untreated, these acids can progress past the enamel and into our teeth's deeper layers, causing teeth to rot, pain and possible tooth loss. This condition can worsen if you don’t brush your teeth, as bacteria can turn into plaque and/or tartar which can further damage your teeth.

Aside from being bad for your teeth, consuming sugar can lead to a slew of health issues like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure in adults. It’s the overconsumption of sugar in Western diets that have led to these health problems, with obesity being one of the top diseases in America.

How to Minimize the Impact of Candy on Your Teeth?

Screen Shot 2021-11-02 at 6
Cutting back on candy, switching to healthier snacks and eating better are steps you can take to avoid obesity and other health issues. Pixabay (CC0)

Luckily, these can be easily avoided, as long as you take proper precautions. There’s no need to completely say goodbye to candies and chocolate.

Start by cutting down on your candy consumption. There’s no rule that says you have to eat all of the candy during Halloween or even on National Candy Day. One or two should be enough and immediately brush your teeth after to help remove acids and enamel-eating bacteria.

Also, drink more water and switch to healthier snacks. When you drink more water, you help minimize the harmful effects of sugar, while keeping yourself hydrated. Switching to healthier snacks means that not only do you get to avoid sugar, you also benefit from eating nutritious food.

Healthy Candy Options

If you can’t resist your sweet tooth, then you’d be glad to know that there are healthy candy options that you can get online. If you’re looking for healthier candy alternatives, here’s what we recommend:

1. Zolli Candy

Screen Shot 2021-11-02 at 6
Zolli Candy is an all-natural, sugar-free candy brand with plenty of great-tasting offerings. zollipops.com

One of America’s healthy candy alternatives, Zolli Candy is a brand of all-natural, sugar-free candy full of natural, teeth-friendly ingredients like xylitol, erythritol and stevia. Instead of consuming tons of sugar, each candy has the added benefit of reducing your mouth’s acidity and lowering the chances of tooth decay from forming and spreading.

Each Zolli Candy is also gluten-free, keto-friendly, vegetarian and non-GMO. It contains only natural flavors, so you can enjoy as much as you want, without worry. What’s more, the brand is committed to helping reduce tooth decay in children, sharing 10% of its profits with an initiative that teaches kids about oral health and the importance of taking care of their bodies.

Zolli Candy is available in tons of great flavors and offers lollipops, taffies, pops, drops, gummies and more. You may learn more about Zolli Candy by clicking here.

2. Old Time Candy

Screen Shot 2021-11-02 at 6
Old Time Candy offers sugar-free, healthy versions of classic candy brands. oldtimecandy.com

If you’re looking for more traditional candy, then you can check out Old Time Candy to see their wide selection of classic candies. This includes chocolate bars, strawberry twists, bubble gums, taffies and hard candies.

The good thing about Old Time Candy is that it offers sugar-free and keto-friendly versions of your favorite sweets, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy candy without worrying about their sugar intake. Orders above $250 get free shipping. Head on over to Old Time Candy by clicking here.

If you're looking for more healthy candy alternatives, you can check out our list by clicking here.

Conclusion

While a piece of candy won't ruin your life, eating in excess can have serious repercussions on your health. Luckily, in addition to cutting back on your sugar intake and being disciplined, there are healthier candy options that will allow you to indulge without the guilt.