Each year in the U.S., approximately 35 million children participate in the tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween. However, studies have shown that during this candy binge, each child can consume up to three cups of sugar. While it’s no secret that candy is not beneficial for teeth, board-certified cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands from Beverly Hills, California, warns that some types of Halloween candy are worse than others when it comes to dental health. Here, Dr. Sands shares his insights on the types of Halloween candy that should be limited or avoided altogether.
5 Types of Halloween Candy to Avoid
Hard candies: Jawbreakers and suckers can pose a significant risk to teeth, according to Dr. Sands. The prolonged presence of these candies in your mouth provides bacteria with a long sugar feast, which can lead to cavities and potential tooth damage.
Sticky or gummy candies: Taffy and caramels can be especially troublesome for teeth. Their sticky nature makes them difficult to remove even after brushing, allowing sugar residues to promote bacteria growth and tooth decay.
Sour candies: Along with their appealing tang comes an alarming acidic punch, warns Dr. Sands. Many sour candies have a dangerously low pH level, which can lead to enamel breakdown, sensitivity, and other dental issues.
Sugar-free candies: While sugar-free candies may seem tooth-friendly, they often contain citric acid that can still wear down enamel despite the absence of sugar.
Chewy candies: Chewy candies such as nougat and toffee can stick to the teeth, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that erode enamel and cause tooth decay.
7 Less Harmful Candy Options
For those who want to enjoy Halloween treats without causing too much harm to their teeth, Dr. Sands recommends the following alternatives:
Chocolate: Compared to other candies, chocolate can be a slightly safer option. It dissolves quickly and is less likely to get stuck on or between teeth. Dark chocolate, in particular, with its reduced sugar content and rich antioxidants, can be a more tooth-friendly treat.
Powdered candy: Powdered candies, such as pixie sticks, dissolve quickly in the mouth and don’t stick to the teeth for an extended period, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Smarties: This type of candy quickly dissolves in the mouth, minimizing the time sugar is in contact with the teeth.
Yogurt-covered raisins: While they contain sugar, yogurt-covered raisins are less sticky than caramel or toffee-based candies.
Nuts: Nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, have minimal sugar content and are a better choice for dental health.
Mini packs of popcorn: Plain or lightly salted popcorn can be a less sugary option compared to many other candies.
Sugar-free gum: Sugar-free gum can actually promote dental health by stimulating saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and cleanse the mouth.
Tips for Promoting Children’s Dental Hygiene
In addition to being mindful of candy choices, Dr. Sands offers the following tips for maintaining optimal dental health and hygiene in children:
Encourage regular brushing and flossing: Teach children to brush their teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, encourage flossing once a day to remove food particles and plaque between the teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste: Choose a fluoride toothpaste that is age-appropriate for your child. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Encourage water consumption: Water helps rinse the mouth and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth after eating candy or snacks.
Promote healthy snacks: Opt for healthier snack options like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and nuts. These choices are not only nutritious but also less harmful to dental health.
Schedule regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups allow professionals to detect early signs of dental issues and provide guidance on proper oral care.
By following these recommendations and encouraging a healthy dental routine, parents can help their children develop good oral hygiene habits that will benefit them throughout their lives, concludes Dr. Sands.
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Melissa Rudy is the health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
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