Fall Treats: A Sticky Situation for Your Teeth

Ah, fall - the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and, of course, those delicious sticky treats we all look forward to! Whether it’s Halloween candy, caramel apples, or popcorn balls, there’s no shortage of sugary, gooey goodness. But as dentists, we have to let you in on a little secret: those sticky sweets can really do a number on your teeth. Don’t worry, though! We’re here to make sure your smile stays bright though the fall festivities.

The Sticky Culprits

Here’s a quick look at the treats that are all the rage this time of year:

Candy Corn

Love it or hate it, candy corn is a fall classic. Its sugary composition makes it sticky, and unfortunately, it’s not just sticking to your fingers. Those little candies love to cling to the crevices in your teeth, making them a playground for bacteria.

Caramel Apples

Nothing says fall like a crisp apple coated in gooey caramel. While the apple itself is great for your health, the sticky caramel is a different story. The caramel can wrap around your teeth and stay there long after you’ve finished your treat.

Caramel Anything

Caramel makes everything better, right? Whether it’s caramel on your popcorn, inside a candy bar, or drizzled over your favorite dessert, it’s also sticking to your teeth. Caramel’s chewy texture means it linger in your mouth, giving bacteria plenty of time to start producing acids that can damage your enamel.

Gummy Candies

If you’re a gummy bear or Swedish fish fan, you’re in sticky territory! These chewy sweets latch onto teeth like there’s no tomorrow. The longer they stay there, the greater the risk for cavities.

Why Sticky Foods are Sneaky

Sticky foods are especially harmful because they stay in your mouth longer than other snacks, allowing sugar to feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. This can lead to cavities, gum irritation, and more serious dental problems down the road.

And that’s not even the worst of it! Have you ever lost a filling or have a crown fall off while eating something super sticky? (I’m talking to you Milk-duds!) There’s nothing worse than that feeling when you have a hole in your tooth that shouldn’t be there.

The Sweet Solutions

We get it - completely avoiding sticky foods during the fall season is a tall order, and we aren’t giving up our candy corn. But the good news is that with a little extra care you can indulge responsibly.

Be careful chewing: Sounds obvious but be careful when you are biting down on that piece of caramel. Sticky foods continuously pull on the filling material while you chew, which can loosen them and cause them to become dislodged.
Brush after indulging: Give your teeth a good scrub after enjoying sticky treats to remove any sugary residue.
Floss like a boss: Sticky foods can get between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing will help you clear out those hard-to-reach spots.
Drink water: We’ve said it before, drink lots of water. Water can help wash away sugar and acids, especially if you can’t brush right away.
opt for healthier snacks: Crunchy apples without the caramel are still a great fall snack, and nuts can provide a satisfying crunch without the sticky aftermath.

Don’t Forget Your Dental Checkup!

This fall don’t let sticky treats get the best of your smile! Book your dental cleaning and checkup with us today. We’ll make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape, so you can enjoy all your favorite fall foods without worry.