Halloween treats to avoid this season

As All Hallows Eve is quickly approaching, it's unlikely that temptation will keep you away from all types of candy. Since Halloween is just the start of sugary treat season, learning what types of candy cause bad breath can help when you’re faced with the tough decision of what chocolate to indulge in.

It’s no secret that candy can cause tooth decay and unhealthy buildup of bacteria in the mouth, but some candies are worse than others. Sugar feeds the plaque in our mouths, which leads to acid being produced that eats away at the enamel on teeth. These sequences lead to stinky breath, and during the holiday season you will likely be encountering a lot of people.

For example, Sour Patch Kids wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Not only does it immediately take charge on chipping away the enamel on your teeth, the stickiness causes more issues. Think about it. After chewing a sour candy, you can still feel it in your mouth and sometimes lodged in your teeth. This creates a hotbed for bacteria because the stickiness isn’t immediately washed away by saliva.

Unfortunately, these aren’t the only candies that can lead to bad breath. Hard candies are just under sour chews because they stay in your mouth for a longer time than most treats. What does this mean? Your mouth is being treated with a nice, sugary rinse. The acid that comes with sugar eats away at the enamel and leads to bad breath.

Chocoholics don’t escape scot-free either. Sticky candies, like caramel, toffee and peanut butter-filled treats are among the worst treats for a healthy mouth, and they often come coated in chocolate. Avoiding candy bars like Twix, Snickers, Milky Way and Reese's can maintain fresh breath. If you just can’t resist, rinse them down with water.

If you have an aching sweet tooth but don’t want to put your mouth at risk, it could be helpful to look for homemade candy recipes. By using dark chocolate and agave nectar instead of their more sugary alternatives, you can stay healthier and keep your mouth (and taste buds) happy. Also, there are remedies if your sweet tooth is calling you. Try to drink water right after indulging to rinse the mouth of left over sugar and acid, and maintain a consistent routine of rinsing your mouth. Choosing an all-natural mouth rinse that doesn’t have alcohol in it will help keep your mouth fresh and smelling nice.