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.”
When it comes to the health of teeth, all candy is not created equally. While you should avoid gummy candy, caramels, and sour candies, the AAPD offers a few sweet alternatives that are a bit better for teeth and will keep those Mouth Monsters at bay:
- milk chocolate
- dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants that can help prevent bacteria from stocking to the teeth (which can lead to gum tooth decay and gum infections)
- sugar-free gum made with xylitol promotes growth of tooth-protective, non-acidic bacteria, making it more difficult for bacteria and plaque to form
- snack-size pretzels or crackers
If you haven’t purchased candy to give away yet, consider giving non-food treats like stickers, temporary tattoos, and other small gift items. It’s not as if the kiddies will lack treats, and they may even appreciate the variety.
You may also want to limit how often your child can reach into the treat bag. According to AAPD, your child’s dental health depends less on what they eat — and more on how often they eat it. Brushing right after indulging in sweet treats is also important. If they can’t brush right away, drinking plenty of water, and swishing it around in the mouth, will help loosen up some of the residue left behind by sweet treats. Brushing and flossing before bed is a must, even on Halloween. The AAPD recommends brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day.
Did you know that some dentists will buy your overflow of Halloween candy? During the first week of November, dentists participating in the Halloween buy-back program will pay $1 per pound for your excess Halloween candy. The candy will be distributed to U.S. soldiers currently serving overseas.
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