The moment your child arrives home with a bucket full of candy, they’re likely to dump it out and begin scouring for the best pieces. Whether their sweet tooth is satisfied with chocolate or sour gummy treats, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Also, if you want to make sure they don’t develop tooth decay this Halloween, keep reading to find out which candies are good and bad for their growing smile.
Halloween Candy: The Good and Bad
When it comes to the candy your child retrieves on Halloween night, there is likely to be a mixed bag of sweet, sugar-filled treats. From full-size chocolate bars to jaw-breaking suckers and even sour gummies that will make anyone pucker, weeding through their loot takes time.
But which ones are the best and worst for your child’s smile? Let’s find out:
The Good
These can be enjoyed in moderation and are less likely to cause cavities and decay:
- Chocolate is far better than most other candies. Its smooth texture makes it harder for it to adhere to the surfaces of teeth. Also, dark and semi-sweet chocolate is better because there is less sugar.
- Sugar-free gum is an excellent option for kids (who are old enough) because it contains xylitol – a sugar alternative that is better for teeth. Also, the chewing motion helps stimulate saliva production, which flushes out harmful bacteria and debris.
- Although not a candy, trail mix can be much better for your child, as there are various nuts and oats as well as dark chocolate (often). These are much healthier ingredients that are less likely to harm your child’s teeth, gums, or jaw.
The Bad
These are candies that can either produce cavities or result in a dental emergency if your child is not careful:
- Lollipops can crack or chip a tooth, sending your little one to the emergency dentist’s office immediately.
- Although tasty, caramel is sticky and can live on the chewing surfaces of teeth, resulting in bacteria and a breakdown of tooth enamel, which leads to cavities.
- Sour candies may cause a funny face, but they are highly acidic and can eat away at tooth enamel if consumed frequently.
- Gummy candy is sticky, which means it can stay inside your child’s mouth much longer than you prefer because it’s hard to remove. Without adequate brushing and flossing, it can cause cavities to form.
Alternative Treat Options
If you want to make sure your child and others in the neighborhood continue to lower their chances of a visit to the emergency dentist this Halloween, try handing out one of these alternatives:
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos
- Bubbles
- Vampire teeth
- Pencils
- Miniature slinkies
- Notepads
- Keychains
- Bottles of water
Just because there are certain candies you may want your child to avoid or limit this year doesn’t mean the holiday has to be a bust. Enjoying a piece or two in moderation is always best and following a good oral hygiene routine will ensure their smile remains healthy and cavity-free in the months ahead.
About the Authors
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids in Allen, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo make dental care fun for all ages. As fathers and board-certified pediatric dentists, they know Halloween is an exciting time for young ones, but they also know it can lead to more serious oral health problems if parents and patients are not careful. If you need help to make sure your little one’s smile isn’t impacted by dental decay, visit our website or call (469) 663-0098.