Top 5 reasons hard candies and sour vitamin C lozenges damage your teeth-and what to do instead
                     Top 5 reasons hard candies and sour 
vitamin C lozenges damage your 
teeth-and what to do instead
 If you have a sweet tooth—or if you’ve ever reached for a tangy candy or Vitamin C 
lozenge to “boost” your health—you might not realize the hidden risks to your smile. As 
Dr. Como of Como Dental Design, a leading Westchester dentist, often explains to 
patients, hard candies and ascorbic acid–based lozenges can cause significant and 
lasting damage to your teeth.
 The combination of sugar, acid, and prolonged contact with tooth enamel creates the 
perfect recipe for cavities and dental erosion. For individuals with dry mouth, the 
problem can become even worse. Let’s explore the top five reasons why these 
seemingly harmless treats are a serious threat to your oral health, and what you can do 
to protect your smile.
1. Hard candies bathe teeth in sugar for long periods
 Unlike soft sweets that are quickly chewed and swallowed, hard candies dissolve slowly
—often over several minutes. This prolonged exposure keeps sugar in contact with your 
enamel for extended periods. Oral bacteria feed on that sugar and release acid as a 
byproduct, which weakens enamel and leads to cavities, especially to those who are 
cavity prone or with extensive dental work.
 Even sugar-free hard candies aren’t completely risk-free; many contain acidic flavoring 
agents that can still wear down enamel over time.
2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) enhances sour flavor but erodes enamel
 Ascorbic acid is a form of Vitamin C frequently used in sour candies and lozenges. While 
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, its acidic nature lowers the pH in your mouth, 
softening the enamel surface.
 A 2020 study published in the Journal of Dentistry found that repeated exposure to 
acidic candies and lozenges significantly increased enamel wear—even in sugar-free 
varieties. When enamel is softened by acid, everyday chewing and brushing can wear it 
away, leading to permanent damage.
3. Dry mouth increases the risk
 For many patients, especially older adults or those taking certain medications, dry 
mouth (xerostomia) is a daily challenge. Saliva plays a critical role in neutralizing acids, 
washing away food debris, and delivering minerals that repair early enamel damage.
 When saliva is reduced, acids from candies or lozenges stay in contact with teeth for 
much longer. Some people turn to hard candies to stimulate saliva, but this can backfire
—introducing more sugar and acid into an already vulnerable environment.
4. The double impact: cavities and dental erosion
 Cavities and erosion are related but different problems. Cavities occur when bacteria 
metabolize sugars and produce acids that decay enamel and dentin. Erosion, on the 
other hand, is direct chemical wear from acidic foods, drinks, or candies.
 Hard sour candies and ascorbic acid lozenges deliver both attacks: they feed cavity-
causing bacteria and directly dissolve enamel. Without intervention, this can lead to 
tooth decay necessitating significant dental care especially in patients with crowns or 
large dental restorations.
5. The cycle of damage
 Once enamel is worn down, it cannot regenerate. Damaged areas can trap more 
plaque, creating a vicious cycle of decay and erosion. Patients often require restorative 
treatments such as tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, or crowns to restore function 
and appearance.
 At Como Dental Design, Dr. Como uses advanced diagnostic tools—including digital 
imaging and wellness scans—to detect early signs of damage and provide personalized 
treatment before problems become severe.
 Healthier alternatives to hard candies
 If you have dry mouth or crave something to suck on during the day, there are safer 
options that won’t harm your teeth:
• Sugar-free xylitol mints – Xylitol not only stimulates saliva but also inhibits cavity-
causing bacteria.
• Water sipping – Regular sips help keep your mouth moist and rinse away acids.
• Moisturizing mouth sprays or gels – Available over the counter, these lubricate tissues 
without sugar or acid.
• Crisp fruits like apples – Apples stimulate saliva and provide fiber that can help 
mechanically clean teeth. While they contain natural sugars, their water and fiber 
content help minimize the cavity risk compared to processed candies.
• Cheese or nuts – These neutralize acid and provide tooth-strengthening minerals.
 Treatment for dental caries and erosion
 If damage has already occurred, early intervention is key. Dr. Como recommends:
• Professional fluoride treatments – Strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to 
acid attack.
• Resin bonding or fillings – Repair areas of decay and restore tooth shape.
• Dental crowns – Protect severely damaged teeth from further breakage.
• Customized preventive plans – Especially important for patients with dry mouth, acid 
reflux, or frequent snacking.
 The bottom line
 Hard candies and sour Vitamin C lozenges may seem harmless—or even health-
boosting—but the combination of sugar, acid, and prolonged exposure can silently 
damage your teeth. For patients with dry mouth, the risks are even greater.
 By choosing safer alternatives, staying hydrated, and scheduling regular checkups with 
Dr. Como at Como Dental Design, you can keep your smile strong and healthy for years 
to come.
 If you’ve been relying on hard candies to manage dry mouth or just enjoying the taste 
of your favorite sweet treat, schedule a consultation today with a trusted Westchester 
dentist who combines evidence-based care with advanced technology to protect your 
oral health.
 References
1. American Dental Association (ADA)
Information on Nutrition, Sugar, and Oral Health
https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-
topics/nutrition
2. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Dry Mouth and Its Effects on Oral Health
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth
3. Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA)
Study on Ascorbic Acid and Dental Erosion
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)60130-4/fulltext
4. Mayo Clinic
Dental Caries Prevention and Treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/diagnosis-treatment/drc-
20352819
5. Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
Alternatives to Hard Candies for Dry Mouth
https://www.agd.org/agd-professionals/news-and-publications/agd-
briefings/archives/2020/07/27/alternatives-to-hard-candies-for-dry-mouth
6. Cochrane Review
Effectiveness of Fruit Consumption for Oral Health
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011137.pub2/full