For many children, Halloween means dressing up in a fun costume, having fun trick or treating, and then counting their haul of treats and eating candy! There is nothing wrong with your children enjoying the candy they collect, as long as you don’t eat too much. It is also important to make sure that you take care of your teeth afterwards. We will share some tips to make sure that your Halloween is an all-around pleasant experience for your kids and their teeth.

SUGAR-FREE CANDIES

Sugar free candies may not be the best thing for your child to eat, however, they are better than many of the sugary alternatives kids will receive on Halloween. Sugar-free candies have a lower sugar and acid content than the majority of other candies. In addition, some of these candies can promote the production of saliva. This saliva production helps to neutralize acid, dissolve food particles, and lower the pH balance in the mouth.

SUGAR-FREE GUM

Sugar-free gum doesn’t have any sugar, which can promote the production of acid in the mouth. In addition, the chewing of gum helps to dislodge food particles that could be stuck in between your child’s teeth, while increasing the production of saliva. The majority of sugar-free gums contain xylitol. Xylitol inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities. This is because it prevents these bacteria (streptococcus mutans) from utilizing xylitol to grow. Over time with the use of xylitol, the quality of the bacteria in the mouth will change and fewer decay-causing bacteria will survive on tooth surfaces.

CRACKERS, TRAIL MIX, SNACK-SIZED PRETZELS

Smaller bags of pretzels, crackers, or trail mix are a great alternative to candies. Trail mix is often high in protein and is a good source of heart-healthy fats. While pretzels don’t have a lot of nutritional value, they are still often better for your teeth than most candies. There are a wide variety of crackers on the market, some of which can be a great source of whole grains. These kinds of snacks are usually not packed with sticky substances or full of a lot of sugar, making them a great alternative to sugar packed candy.

The bacteria in your mouth feed off of whatever is left in your mouth after eating. When that bacteria interacts with sugar, it produces an acid that contributes to the formation of cavities. We mentioned some healthier treats earlier. Now we will talk about the treats you should try to avoid.

STICKY, CHEWY CANDY

Sticky and chewy candies are harmful to teeth because of how sticky they are designed to be. Small particles of these candies will get stuck in the grooves and crevices in your teeth, making it hard for saliva to remove them on its own. This can allow bacteria that cause tooth decay to stay on the teeth and multiply. Some examples include Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms, Swedish Fish, Starburst, Saltwater Taffy, and Caramel.

SOUR CANDIES

Sour candies contain a higher level of acid than other types of candies. This is bad for the teeth because this acid promotes the erosion of protective tooth enamel and can also lead to tooth decay. Some examples include Sour Patch Kids, Sweet Tarts, Pixie Sticks, and Warheads.

HARD CANDIES

Hard candies may seem harmless, however, prolonged exposure to sugar can be harmful to your teeth. When we suck on hard candies to dissolve them, we spend longer exposing our teeth to the sugars the candies contain. Hard candies can also increase the risk of chipping or breaking a tooth. Some examples include Lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, Runts, and Jawbreakers. 

Prior to trick or treating, sit down with your child to create a plan for what you will do with the treats and candy. Let them know how much candy they will be allowed to eat, when they are allowed to have it, and what will be done with the extras. During this time, it is also a good idea to review the importance of proper dental health with your child.

Set a specific time for your child to have that special Halloween treat, such as after dinner or completing an activity that deserves a reward. If your child knows that they will receive a treat at a set time, they are less likely to focus on that treat throughout the day. Eating candy and other sugar-filled treats over the course of the day increases the amount of time that your child’s teeth are exposed to sugars that can potentially cause cavities.

Make sure that your child brushes and flosses thoroughly after eating Halloween candy. If you cannot brush, then swish and rinse with some water. Afterwards, brush and floss as soon as possible. 

At Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry, we are hear to answer your questions about your child’s oral health. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for your young one after Halloween. Give us a call today at 812-234-5437!