By Dr. Laura Kearney
Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children and adults alike. What’s not to like? You can dress up in costumes and receive free candy. Halloween shouldn’t be scary for dental health. Continue reading to learn about the worst candy for your teeth, tricks for healthy teeth, and healthy treat alternatives.
Worst Candy For Your Teeth
Some of the worst candies for your teeth include:
- Sticky or chewy candy such as Laffy Taffy or Tootsie Rolls. These candies will leave residue on your teeth that can easily turn into cavities that thrive in sugary environments.
- Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or Lollipops. Hard candies have the potential to do a lot of damage to your teeth. Not only can these cause cavities in your teeth if you don’t brush, but if bitten into hard enough, they could crack your teeth.
Tricks for Healthy Teeth
If your child eats just one candy or several, they still need to go through their daily dental hygiene routine. Get your child excited for Halloween by placing a new soft toothbrush in their candy bucket. This will remind them later they still need to brush, floss, and swish before going to bed.
In order to avoid cavities and to keep you and your child’s teeth clean during Halloween, be sure to keep up with your normal dental routine. This should include:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Review our resource on Dental Care Tips for recommendations on what you can do to keep your smile healthy.
- Floss daily. Review our top 5 tips on how to floss correctly.
Healthy Treats Alternatives
If you are looking to provide a healthier alternative to candy and sweets this Halloween, try sugarless gum that lists xylitol as an ingredient. Xylitol is an ingredient used in many gum and mint products, that is healthier for teeth than regular sugar. Xylitol will not cause cavities. Learn more about xylitol and other natural sugar substitutes.
