Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes costumes, pumpkins, festivals, and plenty of sweets and candy! However, while the spooky season is meant to be fun, the effect that some of these sugary treats can have on your child’s teeth is quite frightening. Not all Halloween candy is created equally, though, and knowing which ones are better for your child’s dental health can help you ensure that they still have a fun time without the impact on their smile. Here’s what you need to know.
Halloween Candies That Cause Problems for Teeth
There are some types of candy out there that are much more likely to cause cavities and other dental issues. Some of the main culprits, which spike in popularity during this time of year, include:
- Sticky and gummy candies, like caramel, taffy, gummy bears, and even fruit snacks, can cling to teeth and are more likely to cause issues the longer they remain.
- Hard candies, like jawbreakers, lollipops, and Jolly Ranchers, dissolve slowly in the mouth, keeping the sugary particles there for longer periods of time. Plus, biting into them might chip or crack a tooth!
- Sour candies are problematic too, since they tend to be packed with both sugars and acids that can weaken enamel and make teeth sensitive and vulnerable to decay.
Smile-Friendly Substitutes for Spooky Season
Moderation is always key when it comes to any type of candy or sugary treats—however, there are still some candies that are more tooth-friendly than others. Chocolate tends to be a preferable option since it washes off teeth more easily. Plus, dark chocolate is even better since it has lower sugar content than milk chocolate! Sugar-free chewing gum is also an excellent choice, since it can stimulate the mouth’s natural flow of saliva to assist with combating cavity-causing particles.
You can also have your child opt for candy substitutes this Halloween: fresh fruits, mini packs of popcorn or pretzels, and even non-food options like stickers, glow sticks, or small toys can all be just as exciting and festive, without posing a threat to teeth.
No matter what they’re eating this Halloween, though, also be sure to encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene—otherwise, all these efforts could be in vain! However, with a little balance and the right choices, it can be a very smile-friendly holiday!
About the Practice
Our team here at Cove Choice Dental has proudly served families in Copperas Cove and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of dental services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. We also offer pediatric dentistry for children of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (254) 987-6777.