The answer to this question will largely determine the state of your teeth according to new research.

A study by Temple University found eating candy was not the biggest factor for damaging teeth, it was the number of times people ate sweets.

The worst time to eat sweet food was bedtime, with lead researcher Dr Mark Helpin warning parents away from giving sweets at such an unsavoury hour.

It was best to eat candies during mealtimes with other foods, he recommended.

"When we eat [during meals] the flow of saliva increases. We’re also taking in other liquids that will help wash the mouth out," he said.

Researchers recommended kids brush their teeth after eating candies to prevent cavities otherwise rinse their month after eating.

"This will help cut down on acidity in the mouth," Dr Helpin added.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said there had been an increase in the number of children with food allergies.

The number of children who developed a reaction after eating peanuts, for example, had doubled the Academy said.