Mmmm…sticky, gooey Halloween candies are often the favorites treats of little ghost and goblins. They’re fun, but these Mouth Monsters can really do a number of your children’s teeth. That’s because gummy treats and candy with caramel can get stuck in the grooves of teeth. They’re hard to brush or rinse away, especially for little ones. Sour candies aren’t any better. They are high in acidity, which can break down tooth enamel. It’s one thing to make healthier treats at home, but what about that bulging bag of treats they bring home?
“Let children have fun and enjoy trick-or-treating or a Halloween party, but don’t let them choose the treats on their own,” said American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) President Dr. Edward Moody in a press release. “When they get home, go through the bags of candy together and let them pick a limited number of treats to keep. Remember, as a general rule, the stickier and gooey something is, the worse it is for teeth. Good oral health habits allow children to enjoy sweets as a treat and still keep a healthy smile.”
