For some parents, a big concern regarding Halloween is worrying that their child will get cavities because of all the candy their little ghoul or goblin will eat after a fruitful night of trick-or-treating. Fortunately, this quick guide will cover which items your child should enjoy and avoid. It will allow them to have fun, stay safe, and let you breathe easy at the same time.
Treats That Frighten Teeth
The following candies are delicious, but they can spell big trouble for oral health. If you find them in your child’s bag or bucket, you should definitely make them disappear:
- Sticky Candies: Really sticky candy is pretty much kryptonite for teeth, as it can become stuck and expose your child’s enamel to excess sugar for hours, dramatically increasing their risk for cavities.
- Hard Candies: Hard candies are meant to sit in the mouth for a long time, leading to the same problem mentioned above. Another issue with hard candies is children may bite into them, which can lead to a chipped tooth.
Treats That Are Best Friends with Smiles
Pro tip: If your child ends up with any of the candies listed above, make sure you have a reserve of the following candies so you can swap them out. That way, you are “trading” candy with your child rather than just taking it away. A few smile-friendly treats include:
- Pure Chocolate: Chocolate bars (specifically those without nuts or caramel) are easy to chew and melt quickly, minimizing your child’s sugar exposure.
- Soft Cookies/Baked Goods: Chewy, fresh-baked cookies are dentist-approved! You can decorate these easy-to-eat treats along with your child to create smiling pumpkins and spooky bats as well.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Their soft texture means your child can dig in without you having to fret about their teeth.
By going over these guidelines with your child before they trick-or-treat or attend Halloween parties, you can stay relaxed while they have fun with friends and classmates. And, if you have a strategic candy reserve, there will likely be leftovers for you as well!
About the Practice
Smiles University Pediatric Dentistry (Smiles U) is based in Bastrop, TX and led by three board-certified pediatric dentists. Drs. Goodwin, Radcliff, and Adjan strive to make the dental process both comfortable and productive for children and parents by delivering care in a warm, friendly, and understanding environment. Despite being dentists, they love Halloween candy as much as the next person, and they hope these tips will save your favorite smile from an extra trip to see them! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or call (512)-400-3280.