Halloween is almost here! That means that you’re putting your finishing touches on your costume, watching a few of your favorite scary movies, and getting ready to enjoy some of your favorite sweets with your kids. However, your children definitely don’t want to be spending extra time in the dental chair getting cavities filled. Continue reading to learn about how some of your child’s favorite treats affect their smile so you can make tooth-healthy choices! After all, the spooky season doesn’t need to mean scary smiles.
Chocolate
This is probably your child’s best bet when it comes to the candy that will be in their Halloween basket. This is because it washes off their teeth much faster than other candies. To make this sweet even better, choose dark chocolate. It contains less sugar than milk chocolate but still has a rich cacao flavor, making it an excellent choice when it comes to Halloween candy.
Sticky and Gummy Candies
If the candy is sticky, it is usually better to avoid. These are some of the worst candies for your child’s smile. The candy is much harder to remove, so it stays longer on the surface of the enamel and gives cavity-causing bacteria more time to work away at the teeth. However, sugarless gum is an exception. It is actually an excellent option because it prevents dry mouth. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can actually help to prevent tooth decay. When choosing a pack, look for the ADA seal!
Hard Candies
This is another one that you should definitely watch out for when Halloween comes around. This type of candy takes longer to dissolve so it’s kept in the mouth for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the sugar is getting in your child’s saliva and washing over their teeth, therefore increasing their risk of tooth decay.
Sour Candies
This is a favorite for many kids and adults, but this is one that should definitely be avoided. Sour candy tends to be very acidic. This means that it is easily able to weaken and damage the enamel of your child’s teeth, therefore making them much more vulnerable to cavities.
This Halloween, don’t let your child fall victim to tooth decay and cavities. By implementing an excellent oral hygiene routine and being cautious of the sweets they are indulging in, they can keep their smile in excellent health!
About the Author
Dr. Renu Michelsen is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 20 years. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Art A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and she continues to complete several hours of advanced training every year through prestigious organizations, like SPEAR Education. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Orange County Dental Society. For more information on children’s dentistry or to schedule an appointment for your child at her office in Orange, visit her website or call (714) 538-1178.
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