RALEIGH -- Whether you're handing it out or trick or treating with the kids, candy pours into our homes on Halloween. But the sweet treat is often more of a trick when it comes to the health of our teeth. However, there are ways that we avoid unnecessary damage to our pearly whites this holiday season. 

Our Caroline Blair sat down with Elaine Loyack of Delta Dental of North Carolina for a look at the best and worst candy for our teeth. Experts say sticky, gooey candy is more harmful to the teeth than liquid sweets because they remain on the teeth longer.  They're also known to get stuck in crevices, and even pull out fillings and cause immediate damage. 

DDNC also says sour candies are more harmful to the teeth because their high acidity breaks down tooth enamel, which makes the teeth more vulnerable to cavities. They say chocolate, but especially dark chocolate or nut-filled candy bars do the least amount of dental damage because they don’t coat and stick to the teeth as much. And some studies show that dark chocolate may actually be more effective than fluoride at fighting tooth decay. 

For years, parents have limited the amount of candy children can eat each day. But dental professionals say when it comes to tooth health, it's the duration of time the candy is on the teeth that is the most important to monitor, not the amount. 

Experts say candy should be looked at as a special treat and not eaten daily. It is calorie rich, nutrient empty and has little nutritious value. They say it should never be substituted for nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and nuts. They also suggest waiting 30 minutes to brush your teeth after consuming candy to avoid spreading and covering the teeth with more acid, and try eating candy with a meal instead of in between.