In theory, looking after your teeth is simple: brush, floss, and steer clear of certain foods that tend to cause decay.
The problem is, many of us have a hard time saying no to our favourite sweets, even when we know the effects they can have, breaking down enamel and causing cavities.
As a general rule, the worst lollies are those with any of three main traits: sticky lollies, hard lollies, and sour candy, which is high in sugar and acidity.
These rules eliminate many of your options for quelling those sugar cravings, but all hope is not lost – there are still a handful of lollies that pass the tooth test!
Ready to start stocking up your cupboards? Read on for a list of tooth-friendly confectionery.
Chocolate
Technically speaking, chocolate might not be classed as a lolly, but it is amongst the best ways to satiate a sweet tooth without causing rot.
Why? Because chocolate is nowhere near as sticky or tough as many lolly alternatives, which makes for easy cleaning and, therefore, healthy teeth.
If you want to take your battle against toothache even further, consider ditching the milk and white varieties in favour of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is the best option for your teeth – and the rest of your body, for that matter – because it contains far less sugar than the lighter alternatives, a fact which will make your dentist appointments a much friendlier affair.
In case you need any other reason to get onboard the 70% cocoa train, dark chocolate varieties are also rich in antioxidants and proven to lift your mood.
Healthy teeth and all of these reasons to smile? There’s nothing dark chocolate can’t do.
Sugar-free hard candy
Hard candy gets a bad wrap from dentists, but the sugar content itself isn’t the only problem.
The bigger issue is the way we eat this type of lolly, letting it sit in the mouth for extended periods of time until it breaks down.
That’s why lollipops dramatically increase your risk of developing holes and cavities compared with alternatives like chocolate.
The best way to solve this problem is, of course, to swap out the sugar load in these lollies for something a little more tooth-friendly, like Stevia or another natural sweetener.
Without the high sugar content, these lollies might actually be considered a healthy addition to your dental routine as they help to encourage the production of extra saliva and keep plaque build-up at bay.
Zollipops
As a general rule, lollipops are a no-no, but Zollipops haven’t been labelled “clean teeth pops” for nothing.
Supercharged with erythritol, a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener, this American invention is designed to balance the pH levels in your mouth and neutralise tooth decay in the process.
Sucking on the lollipop will remove food residue and increase saliva production to limit decay.
Plus, they come in a range of delicious flavours including strawberry, grape, pineapple, cherry, and orange, making them the perfect light dessert option.
Lollies with nuts
As long as you don’t have any nut allergies to contend with in your household, this is a great way to put a healthier twist on lunchbox snacks for your whole family.
Since cavities typically form as a result of food (particularly sugar) sticking to the teeth, any extra “healthy” ingredients like nuts in the mix can help to keep teeth free from cavity-causing food residue.
Plus, nuts deliver a burst of protein and good fats and that can help to regulate body weight and food intake and burn off extra energy.
Just be mindful not to overdo it – they can be pretty moreish!
Tom & Jenny’s Caramels
Your average caramel lollie is hardly a dentist’s first choice when it comes to keeping your teeth in good condition. Fortunately, Tom & Jenny’s are anything but average.
These soft caramels are free from sugar, gluten, and soy, making them every dentist’s dream and every parent’s saving grace.
Plus, they’re versatile enough to be used as part of a range of delicious recipes, so you can keep the sugary nasties away even during that after-dinner slump.
If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without ruining your smile, it’s all about ongoing maintenance and creating a routine that works for you.
Even small changes like these can make a significant difference to your teeth over the course of a lifetime, so you can smile at the knowledge that you’re doing something great for your long-term health.