The Danger of Sour Candy

Sour CandyA recent study from The Journal of the American Dental Association showed that sour candies are more erosive than their original-flavor counterparts. In the study, researchers compared both original-flavor and sour versions of popular candies to compare their erosive effects on teeth. The following candies were used in the study: original-flavor Jolly Rancher, sour Jolly Rancher, original-flavor Life Savers, sour Life Savers, original-flavor Mike & Ike, sour Mike & Ike, original-flavor Twizzlers, and sour Twizzlers.

The fact that sugary candy can lead to cavities is nothing new, but people often overlook the erosive potential of sour candies. Sour candy gets a tangy or sour taste from acids that are added to the candy. Other research has shown that drinking acidic drinks, like soda, can lead to tooth erosion. People that suck on sour candy are at greater risk because of the increased exposure time of the teeth to the acid environment.

Jolly Rancher Sour BlastNext time you want some candy, you might be best off eating a non-sour candy. Regardless of the candy you choose, try not to suck on the candy for too long, always rinse your mouth with water afterwards, and wait 30-60 minutes before brushing your teeth!

Respond to this post