Halloween is almost here! By now, your child has probably picked out their costume and trick-or-treat bag in anticipation of going door-to-door to collect copious amounts of candy. While these sugary treats aren’t ideal for their oral health, indulging in the right ones can significantly reduce their risk of developing cavities after Halloween. So, keep reading to learn candies that made the “best” and “worst” list!
The “Worst” Halloween Candies for Your Child’s Smile
On Halloween night, some of the biggest cavity causers will find their way into your child’s trick-or-treat bag. While indulging in a piece or two certainly isn’t anything to stress over, the below treats should definitely be enjoyed in moderation:
- Sticky items, like bubble gum.
- Gooey treats, like caramel.
- Hard items, like jawbreakers.
- Sour candies, like sour straws.
- Fruit treats, like Starbursts.
The “Best” Halloween Candies for Your Child’s Smile
Now that you know some of the candies your child should avoid, let’s discuss the ones that they can enjoy relatively guilt-free this Halloween:
- Milk chocolate bars, like Hershey’s kisses.
- Peanut butter cups.
- Soft cookies.
- Three Musketeers.
- Kit Kat Bars.
- Peppermint Patties.
Remember, even candies that make the “best” list can still cause cavities. However, with moderation and a good dental care regimen in place, you can keep their oral health in tip-top shape throughout this fang-tastic season!
A Few Important Tips for Preventing Cavities Around Halloween
When it comes to preventing cavities around Halloween, helping your child sift through their candy is a great place to start. However, there are a few other best practices you should implement to keep their teeth decay-free. First, offer them meals that are well-balanced and filled with nutrient-dense foods. This will help their teeth stay healthy from the inside-out. Next, make sure they are implementing a solid oral hygiene routine, including brushing for two full minutes after each meal. Lastly, prioritize their six-month dental checkups and cleanings with their dentist.
Once October hits, there is candy everywhere you turn. So, it’s a bit unrealistic to expect your child to go the entire season without indulging in a piece or two. The good news is that you can keep their smile decay-free by helping them decipher the “good” and the “bad” Halloween candy on the 31st!
About the Practice
At the forefront of Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are our four talented doctors. Each an expert in their field, they genuinely enjoy providing growing smiles with the high-quality, meticulous, and comfortable care they deserve. Since cavities are so prevalent this time of year, they go the extra mile at each and every appointment to keep the smiles of those in their treatment chair decay-free. If your child is overdue for their six-month visit or they’re struggling with tooth pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment via our website or by phone at 603-635-1166.