The Dental Demolition Derby: Why Dentists Fear Jawbreakers
Jawbreakers earn their ominous name for a reason, and dentists consistently rank them among the worst candies for oral health. The combination of extreme hardness and prolonged consumption creates a perfect storm for dental damage.
Prolonged Acid Attack and Enamel Erosion
Unlike a piece of chocolate that dissolves quickly, a jawbreaker can take fifteen minutes or more to consume, bathing your teeth in a sugary, acidic solution for an extended period. The bacteria in your mouth feed on this sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. The lower the salivary pH, the more aggressive the erosion. Some jawbreaker varieties, particularly sour ones, are even more detrimental, with studies showing they can drop salivary pH to values far below the enamel-damaging threshold of 5.5. This acidic environment leaves your teeth sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.
A Shattering Risk to Teeth and Fillings
The most immediate and dramatic risk comes from the temptation to bite down on the rock-hard surface. This can lead to serious dental injuries, including:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Cracked tooth roots
- Damaged fillings or dislodged crowns
- Breakage of braces or other orthodontic appliances
In one notable case, a college student bit into a jawbreaker and ended up with a fractured jaw, requiring surgery and six weeks with her jaw wired shut. The dental trauma is so common that the name "jawbreaker" serves as a literal warning.
Beyond the Mouth: Systemic Health Concerns
The damage caused by jawbreakers isn't confined to your oral cavity. The high sugar content and overall composition can have wider health implications.
The Problem with High Sugar Content
Jawbreakers are essentially concentrated sugar. One product, for example, was found to be 96% sugar by weight. A typical small jawbreaker can contain a significant portion of the recommended daily sugar intake. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a host of health problems, including:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- Elevated risk of heart disease
Impact on Gut Health
The gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms in your digestive tract, plays a vital role in your overall health. High-sugar candies can disrupt this delicate balance. Too much sugar encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria, leading to inflammation and potentially affecting your metabolism and immune system.
The Jaw Strain and TMJ Disorders
The act of holding a large, solid object in your mouth for an extended period puts immense and unnatural stress on your jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This prolonged strain can lead to:
- Jaw fatigue and discomfort
- Exacerbation of pre-existing TMJ disorders, causing pain near the ear, jaw, or facial muscles
- Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw joint
The Choking Hazard
For young children especially, jawbreakers represent a significant choking hazard. The round, solid shape can easily become lodged in the throat. This is a well-documented risk, with some hard candy brands even including warnings on their packaging.
Comparison of Jawbreakers to Other Candies
To put the health risks into perspective, here is a comparison of jawbreakers to other popular sweets.
| Feature | Jawbreaker | Gummy Candy | Dark Chocolate (85% cacao) | Caramel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Damage Risk | Very High (chips, cracks, erosion) | High (sticks to teeth, fuels bacteria) | Low to Moderate (dissolves quickly, contains fiber) | High (very sticky, pulls out dental work) |
| Sugar Exposure Time | Very Long (15+ minutes) | Medium (sticks in crevices) | Short (dissolves quickly) | Long (very sticky) |
| Choking Hazard | High (especially larger sizes) | Moderate (can get stuck) | Low | Low |
| Systemic Health Impact | High (pure sugar, additives) | Moderate (pure sugar) | Low to Beneficial (antioxidants, fiber) | High (pure sugar) |
Mitigating Risks and Safer Alternatives
If you or your children consume jawbreakers, following these tips can help reduce the potential for damage:
- Opt for Licking, Not Biting: Never bite down on a jawbreaker. Savoring it slowly by licking reduces the risk of dental fractures.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water during and after consumption to help wash away sugar and acid.
- Brush Afterwards: Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly after eating candy to remove sugar and plaque.
- Consider Alternatives: Swap jawbreakers for healthier options. Dark chocolate (80% cacao or higher) provides antioxidants and less sugar, while sugar-free gum with xylitol can actually benefit oral health by increasing saliva flow.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on How Unhealthy Jawbreakers Are
Jawbreakers are, without a doubt, a highly unhealthy candy choice. Their unique combination of prolonged sugar exposure, destructive hardness, and potential for jaw strain makes them a triple threat to oral and overall health. While an occasional treat might not cause permanent harm, the potential for dental emergencies, exacerbated TMJ issues, and systemic problems from excessive sugar should be a clear warning. For the sake of your teeth and jaw, moderation is key, and opting for less damaging alternatives is the wisest choice.
The erosive potential of jawbreakers, a type of hard candy
Published research in the European Journal of Oral Sciences found that jawbreaker consumption by children led to a significant drop in salivary pH, indicating a high potential for dental erosion. The study highlights the long consumption time as a key factor in increasing the risk of tooth wear, making it a crucial resource for dental professionals.
