Halloween is nearly here! You’ve been putting the finishing touches on your family’s costumes, watching a few of your favorite scary films, and getting ready to enjoy all that candy that was on sale at your local supermarket with your kids. However, your children definitely don’t want to be spending extra time in the dental chair having cavities filled at the start of the holiday season. Read on to learn how some of your child’s favorite sweets affects their smile. The spooky season doesn’t need to mean scary teeth!
Chocolate
When it comes to Halloween candies, this is probably your child’s best bet. This is because it washes off their teeth much faster than most other candies. To make it even healthier, choose dark chocolate if your child likes it. It contains less sugar than milk chocolate does but still has a rich cacao flavor, making it an excellent choice when it comes to Halloween candy.
Sticky and Gummy Candies
It’s best to avoid candies that are sticky. These are some of the worst options for your child’s smile because they are so much more difficult to remove from the teeth. It stays longer on the surface of the enamel and gives cavity-causing bacteria more time to work away at the tooth. However, sugarless gum is an exception. Sugar-free gum is a great option because it helps to prevent dry mouth. Chewing it for 20 minutes after 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 be wary of when Halloween comes around. This type of candy takes longer to dissolve, so it’s kept in the mouth for longer periods of time. The sugar continues to dissolve in your child’s saliva and washes over the teeth throughout the entire duration, therefore increasing their risk of decay.
Sour Candy
This is a preferred option of many children and adults, but it is best avoided. Sour candy has the tendency to be very acidic, so it can weaken and damage your child’s tooth enamel. Ultimately, it makes them much more vulnerable to the development of cavities.
Don’t let your child fall victim to tooth decay and cavities this Halloween! By implementing an excellent oral hygiene routine and being caution of the candy they are indulging in, they can start out the holiday season cavity-free!
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine before completing a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry at New York University. He is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Scarborough, visit his website or call +1 416-267-6789.
