Halloween is a time when kids can dress up and enjoy the festivities that center around spooky ghosts and goblins and of course, candy. Whether it is chocolate bars, fruity treats, or caramel-covered goodies, it can be difficult trying to pry your child away from their bucket of sweets after trick-or-treating is over. But if you want to avoid cavities after Halloween, it’s best to learn which candies are the best and which ones are the worst for your little one’s smile.
Halloween Candy 101: The Best vs. The Worst
Candy is something nearly every child craves. Its sweet and sugary goodness spurs little ones to run door to door, eager to scream “Trick-or-Treat” so they will be given their prize. Most adults offer up mini treats instead of full-fledged candy boxes and bars, but no matter the size, knowing which candies can do the most damage to your child’s smile is imperative.
When it comes to some of the best options for your eager teen to enjoy, you might be surprised to learn that chocolate tops the list. Coming in a variety of options (i.e., milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, etc.), it is less likely to remain on teeth and can be easily rinsed off with the help of water. But if you want to reduce the number of calories they’re eating, even when it comes to chocolate, have them enjoy the dark variety, as it contains less processed sugar.
But unlike chocolate, other sweets will wreak havoc on your child’s smile if you’re not careful. These can include:
- Gummy candies
- Sour, chewy candy
- Caramels
- Hard candies
- Popcorn balls
Not only are these prone to high amounts of sugar, but they can easily damage teeth, resulting in a chipped or broken tooth that requires a trip to see an emergency dentist. When a child eats anything gummy, sticky, or sour, it can easily adhere to the chewing surfaces of their teeth, allowing bacteria to form and eventually causing cavities.
Ways to Limit Candy Consumption
While it may be impossible to completely remove all remnants of candy after a night of trick-or-treating, you can suggest that your child pick out their favorites and donate the rest. A few pieces of candy won’t do much harm as long as they practice good oral hygiene before bed and first thing in the morning. Or, if it is easier, pull out the chocolate bits for your kids and send the remainder overseas through a military care package program.
There is always the option of asking your dentist how best to deal with the excessive amounts of candy left over from Halloween as well. No matter how you plan to handle the upcoming holidays and your child being inundated with sweet treats, worry less about cavities by helping them to choose better options for their smile.
About the Author
Dr. Christel Cochell treats patients of all ages, providing a wide variety of services, and ensuring you and your family receive the care you need all in one place! To learn what we can do, contact us at (971) 273-5910.