Is there any “Good” Candy?

Around this time of the year, we are often asked this question… Is there any good candy?  Obviously, most sugar coated candies are bad for your teeth. Especially candies that stick to your teeth when you eat them.  That not only includes candies but dried fruits as well which are full of sugars.  Also lollipops are bad because they take so long to eat which allows the sugars to stay in your mouth for a longer time.

But are there any sugars that can be considered good for you?  Dark Chocolate has many attributes that make it a good choice.  Several studies have shown that it may be just as effective than fluoride in fighting tooth decay. Also, compounds in cocoa beans have an antibacterial effect that fights plaque. It also helps your heart too.

 

Since sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, sugarless gum and candies are an alternative to sugar laced candies. Also choose a “candy bar” with lots of nuts which serve to break up the stickiness of most bars.  When choosing a bar, why not pick a protein bar with more nuts and dark chocolate and less sticky sugars such as caramels.

Be sure to read the labels for the sugar content and avoid anything with high fructose corn syrup.