We all know that candy is not ideal for teeth. However, when it comes to Halloween, those sweet treats are almost unavoidable. While not all candies are created equal regarding dental health, here are 5 candies that you should say “NO” to this Halloween. Understanding what Halloween candy is worst for children’s teeth can help parents and caregivers protect young smiles from decay, enamel erosion, and future dental problems. Below, we discuss the worst offenders, explain why these sweets pose such a threat, and offer some actionable Halloween candy dental tips.

Now and Laters

If you find any of these in your child’s candy bag after a long day of trick-or-treating, throw them in the trash ASAP. Not only are these things 100% sugar, but they also go from sticky to hard like some magic trick.

In fact, there is a dental product with almost the same consistency. What is it used for? Pulling off crowns that are stuck – yep, you read that correctly. If you insist on eating these devilish treats and they get stuck in your teeth, don’t try to yank them off. Wait for it to dissolve or rinse your mouth with warm water until it lets go. From a dental perspective, sticky candies like Now and Laters pose a double threat—they stick between teeth, encouraging plaque buildup, and are hard enough to cause chips or cracks. Due to this dangerous combination of stickiness and hardness, they are often considered the worst Halloween candy for teeth.

Why They’re on the “Avoid” List:

• Sugar Concentration: Excessive sugar content fuels cavity-causing bacteria.
• Stickiness: Adheres to enamel and lingers for hours.
• Hardness: Potential to damage fillings, crowns, or natural tooth enamel.

Bit O’ Honey

Back in the day, this candy was known for ruining teeth. Sticky but hard (sound familiar?) This tasty candy will not only break teeth, but they can and will cause cavities. Although this candy is unlikely to end up in your Halloween bag, keep an eye out and remove it if you see any.

Bit O’ Honey is a nostalgic candies you might want your child to try, but it should come with a dental warning label. The combination of honey and sticky toffee-like texture makes it cling to the chewing surfaces of molars, often escaping even the best brushing techniques.

Why This Candy Is a Hidden Threat:

• Slow dissolving nature allows sugar to sit on the teeth longer.
• Known to loosen dental restorations like dental crowns and fillings.
• It can lead to microfractures in the enamel due to its toughness.

Jujubes

Small and gummy, it’s almost as if these hard gummies were designed to get stuck in the crevices of your teeth and wreak havoc. If you can’t immediately fish out these mischievous little candies with your toothbrush, don’t eat them or risk increased cavities.

Despite their tiny size, Jujubes can cause massive dental issues. Because of their chewiness, they cement themselves deep between teeth and resist saliva and brushing. These are easily among the worst Halloween candies for teeth, especially for children who might not be thorough brushers yet.

Dental Risks of Jujubes:

• Interproximal trapping – gets caught between teeth.
• Difficult to remove without flossing.
• Encourages the development of interdental cavities (between the teeth).

Dots / Gummy Bears / Sour Patch Kids

We know, we know, some of the best Halloween candies are gummy. Unfortunately, any sticky gummy treat, regardless of brand or flavour, is extremely bad for your teeth. These sticky killers turn a regular dental visit into bad news at the dentist's office. Eat in moderation and brush right after to avoid dental decay. These candies often come disguised in fun shapes and fruity flavours, making them irresistible to kids. However, these chewy options are some of the worst Halloween candies for children’s teeth due to the high acidity (especially in sour candies) and sugar content.

Why They’re Bad News:

• Sour varieties weaken enamel with acids before sugar even becomes a factor.
• Gummy candies act like glue on enamel.
• Sugar ferments quickly in the mouth, producing plaque and decay.

Caramel

Caramel comes in at a respectable Number 5. This smooth, delicious treat is sticky and easily adheres to teeth. Caramel is number five because it tends to wash away easily with water and good scrubbing.

Caramel is sticky but soluble, meaning it doesn't hang around as long as taffy or hard candies. That said, it’s still on the list of Halloween candy to avoid, especially if your child has braces, dental appliances, or ongoing issues with cavities.

Dental Impact of Caramel:

• Fills tooth crevices and supports bacterial growth.
• Can pull out fillings or brackets in orthodontic patients.
• Encourages prolonged sugar exposure to enamel.

If your child absolutely must indulge in caramel, opt for soft caramels rather than the hard kind, and encourage drinking water immediately after to help neutralise acids.

Smart Halloween Candy Dental Tips for Parents

To help minimise dental risks this Halloween while still letting your child enjoy the holiday, follow these dentist-approved strategies:

1. The “Candy Time” Rule

Designate a specific time to eat candy rather than grazing all day. This limits the number of sugar attacks on your child’s teeth.

2. Encourage Water After Candy

Water helps rinse sugar and acids from the mouth. Have kids swish after every candy session.

3. Brush and Floss Immediately After

Make it a rule: no candy without brushing and flossing after. This helps remove sugar before it causes harm.

4. Trade Bad for Better

Swap out high-risk candies for safer options like dark chocolate or sugar-free gum. Offer a reward system if needed!

5. Schedule a Post-Halloween Dental Checkup

Halloween treats can sneak up on your child’s smile. Use this as a reminder to book a dental exam and cleaning. Early decay can often be reversed with timely care. Learn more on our blog: Dental Cleanings: What You Should Do for Healthy Gums.

Conclusion: Make Smarter Choices This Spooky Season

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary for your child’s smile. Knowing the candies to avoid this Halloween and following practical Halloween candy dental tips can keep cavities and dental damage at bay. Prioritise your child's oral health while still enjoying the fun, and don’t forget to contact us today to schedule your post-Halloween cleaning at Schaumburg Dental Studio. We're here to help your little ones (and grown-ups) smile bright year-round!