Halloween – a season of ghouls, goblins, costumes, and candy. As children eagerly dress up in their favorite characters and set out for a night of trick-or-treating, parents often grapple with the daunting aftermath – bags brimming with candies. At Smile Angels of Beverly Hills, we recognize the importance of dental health, and so, we’ve prepared a guide to help you navigate which candies are tooth-friendly and which ones you might consider limiting.
Types of Candy and Their Impact on Dental Health
- Hard Candies:
- Examples: Jolly Ranchers, lollipops.
- Verdict: Limit. They stay in the mouth for a longer duration, which means prolonged exposure to sugar. They can also pose a risk of chipping or breaking a tooth.
- Chewy/Sticky Candies:
- Examples: Gummy bears, taffy, and caramel.
- Verdict: Avoid if possible. They cling to teeth and can get stuck in between, which can increase the risk of cavities.
- Sour Candies:
- Examples: Sour Patch Kids, Warheads.
- Verdict: Consume with caution. Not only are they sugary, but they’re also acidic. This can weaken and erode the enamel.
- Chocolate:
- Examples: Hershey’s bars, M&Ms.
- Verdict: Best choice. Chocolate is one of the safer candies as it washes off the teeth more easily than other types of candy. Dark chocolate also contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
- Sugar-Free Candies:
- Examples: Sugar-free gum, sugar-free hard candies.
- Verdict: A good alternative. While they aren’t entirely devoid of risks, they are definitely a better option than their sugar-laden counterparts. Sugar-free gums can even stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize and rinse away harmful acids.
- Popcorn Balls:
- Verdict: Limit. While popcorn itself isn’t a concern, these are often held together by sugary, sticky substances which can be tough on teeth.
Tips for Parents During Halloween:
- Set Limits: Decide in advance how many pieces of candy your child can eat each day. This can reduce binge eating and extended sugar exposure.
- Promote Drinking Water: After consuming candy, encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water. This helps to wash away some of the sugar from the teeth.
- Avoid Grazing: Instead of letting your kids munch on candy throughout the day, set specific times. This reduces the duration teeth are exposed to sugar.
- Prioritize Dental Hygiene: Ensure your child brushes their teeth twice a day, especially before bedtime. This can help in removing sugar that may lead to cavities.
Conclusion
While Halloween is synonymous with candies and treats, it doesn’t mean that kids’ dental health has to suffer. With informed choices and proactive dental care, parents can ensure their children enjoy the festivities without compromising on their oral health.
For more tips on maintaining a radiant smile or to schedule a dental checkup after the candy-laden holiday, reach out to us at Smile Angels of Beverly Hills.