A Dentist’s Guide to Halloween Candy

Halloween is a time for costumes, fun, and - of course - candy. But not all treats are created equal when it comes to your child’s dental health. Cheen Loo, DMD, chair and professor of pediatric dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, can offer tips to navigate the sugar rush without sacrificing your child's smile.

Candies to watch for

• Sticky candies: They can get stuck on teeth for a long time, are hard to remove completely with a toothbrush and can loosen braces or fillings. The longer your teeth are exposed to sugar, the more likely you are to get cavities.

• Hard candies: They can take a long time to dissolve and can increase the risk of tooth decay. Biting down on them can also crack or chip teeth.

• Sour candies: These are double trouble - sugary and acidic. The acid erodes tooth enamel, while the sugar provides food for bacteria. 

Smarter, tooth-friendly treats

• Chocolate: It melts quickly and doesn’t stick to teeth for a long time

• Sugar-free gum: Helps stimulate saliva, which neutralizes acids and rinses away food particles.

• Savory snacks such as cheese, nuts, or breadsticks.

• Non-food treats such as temporary tattoos, stickers, small toys, or key chains.

Managing Halloween candy

• Set limits: Help your child enjoy Halloween treats in moderation. Let them keep the tooth-friendly options and trade the rest for a special gift.

• Time it right: Eat candy during meals, when saliva flow is higher, which helps to reduce the impact of sugar on teeth. Avoid grazing on candy throughout the day or eating them before bed.

• Brush and rinse: Encourage your child to brush their teeth before bed and rinse with water after eating candy to wash away sugar and acids.

Quick tips for parents

• Create a candy plan with your kids, such as limiting the amount they can keep or letting them pick a few favorites.

• Establish clear rules for when candy can be eaten (avoid snacking throughout the day, at bedtime or as a replacement for meals).

• Keep candy out of bedrooms to prevent nighttime snacking.

With smart choices and good habits, you can enjoy Halloween while keeping cavities at bay.

(Newswise/VK)