With Halloween comes ghosts, goblins and goodies—and the sugar in those treats can play some unwanted tricks on your teeth if you’re not careful.

Here’s why: The bacteria in your mouth are probably more excited to eat Halloween candy than you are. When the bacteria eat the sugar and leftover food in your mouth, a weak acid is produced. That acid is what can contribute to cavities.

To help you sort through the trick-or-treat bag loot, we have a rundown of some common candies and their impact on your teeth:

Chocolate

Chocolate is probably your best bet. Chocolate is easier to wash off your teeth and less sticky then most candies. Even braving dark chocolate is better; it has less sugar then milk chocolate.

Sticky and Gummy Candies

Be picky if it’s sticky. These are some of the worst candies for your teeth because they are harder to remove.

Hard Candy

Hard candies are also ones to watch on Halloween. They are choking hazards and can actually break teeth if you bite on them accidentally. Keeping hard candies in your mouth for longer is also keeping their sugars in your mouth for longer.

Sour Candy

You might want to pass on things that make you pucker – especially if they are sticky and coated in sugar. Sour candy are very acidic causing weak teeth that can become prone to damage and decay.

Enjoy Halloween–don’t let that candy stash play a trick on you.  Call our office to establish a program of good oral health for your little goblins!