Peeps, Jellybeans, and Chocolate Bunnies: Ranking Easter Candy for Teeth

Easter is just days away, and your kids will no doubt be getting plenty of delicious, sugary treats in their Easter baskets. Although it’s okay to let them indulge in a few pieces of candy occasionally, letting them gorge on too many sweets will not only upset their stomachs, but it can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. When choosing the treats for baskets or Easter egg hunts, it’s good to know which Easter treats are most and least harmful for their teeth.

Peeps & Jellybeans

Unfortunately, peeps and jellybeans both fall into the category of being very bad for children’s teeth because they meet several criteria – they are high in sugar, they are sticky, and they have chewy textures that help them stick to the teeth for a long time. This combination favors the breakdown and conversion of sugar into acids that attack tooth enamel.

If your kids love Peeps and jelly beans, limit them to after-meals and make sure they rinse their mouths or brush their teeth afterward to minimize the damage.

Chocolate Bunnies

Chocolate bunnies are less harmful to teeth than most candies. Chocolate melts quickly, so it doesn’t linger on teeth. Dark chocolate is best, with less sugar and more antioxidants to fight plaque.

The Best Easter Candies

The best choice for your child is dark chocolate, as mentioned above. If your child isn’t a fan of this slightly bitter version of chocolate, opt for hollow milk chocolate bunnies that will melt quickly when they eat them. Peanut Butter Cups are also a decent option. Candies with nuts in them are a good choice because the nuts help scrub away some of the sugars on the teeth. Also consider sugar-free candies and gums. Today’s artificial sweeteners, like Xylitol, are indistinguishable from sugar and can satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.

The Worst of the Easter Candies

Some candies pose extra dental risks. The following treats are among the most harmful for teeth:

Sticky, Chewy Candies

These include gummies, caramels, and taffies that can get stuck in the teeth. Long-term exposure to sugar can lead to cavities, and younger children may not have the dexterity to effectively brush or floss away the remnants of these candies.

Sour Candies

Warheads, Sour Patch Kids, and other sour candies combine sugar and acid for a unique flavor profile that also attacks tooth enamel. Be sure your child rinses their mouth after eating them and, if possible, brushes and flosses.

Hard Candies

Suckers, jawbreakers, and lollipops are licked or sucked on for a long time, feeding bacteria in the mouth throughout. Biting into these hard candies can also crack teeth or cause shards to become lodged between the teeth. As with sour candy, be sure your child rinses or brushes after eating hard candy.

Toss in Some Healthy Easter Treats

Finally, remind the Easter Bunny to include treats that make dental care fun for your kids. A new toothbrush, nuts, or sugar-free gum are inexpensive options that help offset the effects of Easter sweets.