Halloween is approaching fast and the candy is beginning to pour into your house. Candy is just about unavoidable during this time of year but there are some candies that are a little better for you to enjoy than others. It’s important that parents are informed of the good and bad options of candy that are coming home in their children’s trick or treat bags. As dentist’s we don’t recommend your children eat large amounts of sugary treats but we also don’t want you to deny your children of Halloween fun. To help parent we have clarified which treats are better for your child’s teeth and which one’s increase the risk of developing cavities.
Worst
Chewy/sticky candy: These candies are a big source of tooth decay because they get stuck in crevices making it impossible for saliva to wash away and hard to reach with a toothbrush. Examples:
- Gummies
- Taffy
- Licorice
- Caramels
Sour candy: These candies are dangerous to your child’s teeth because they are highly acidic, breaking down tooth enamel at a rapid pace. Saliva helps return the mouth to a natural level within 30 minutes of consumption so make sure your child waits to brush their teeth to prevent the spread of acid to other regions. Examples:
- Sour worms
- Sour Patch Kids
- Sour hard candies
- Sour belts
Sugary candy and snacks: The longer sugar is in your mouth the more acid is produced which breaks down enamel and causes cavities. Treats with large amounts of sugar or the ones that are pure sugar put your child at the biggest risk for cavities.
- Candy corn
- Cookies
- Cake
- Popcorn balls
Best
Sugar-free lollipops and hard candy: This candy produces saliva
when being sucked on which can prevent a dry mouth, meaning less plaque buildup. and also lasts longer resulting in your child consuming less candy. Examples:
- Sugar-free Life Savers
- Sugar-free Whether’s candies
- Sugar-free suckers
- Sugar-free hard candies
Sugar-free gum: These candies can actually be beneficial to your teeth if not over consumed. This can prevents cavities because when chewing your child can dislodge any cavity causing particles stuck in their teeth. This also increases saliva production which reduces the risk of plaque buildup. Examples:
- Sugar-free Dubble Bubble
- Sugar-free Bubble Yum
- Sugar-free Hubba Bubba
- Extra Dessert Sensations
Dark chocolate: This is the best kind of chocolate you can eat, health wise. Dark chocolate has antioxidants in it and is good for the heart, it has even been known to lower blood pressure. The good health affects are not cause to eat a lot of it though, there is still sugar in there.
- Hershey’s Special Dark
- Dark chocolate pumpkins
- Dark chocolate bars