Something is approaching. Without you even realizing it, it’s creeping closer and closer. Ready or not, it’s here; it’s Halloween!
Preparing for Halloween can be a little overwhelming. Between putting up decorations, planning parties, and choosing costumes, it might feel like you’re always under the gun. With all of that on your plate, it might be a bit of a tall order to consider your child’s oral health. However, not thinking about the effects candy will have on their teeth will mean far more cavities after Halloween. Thankfully, some sweets are less likely to lead to tooth decay than others. If you’re feeling the pressure, then this guide will make it easy to figure out which candy would be best for your child.
Here’s Why Sugar’s so Scary
The key to understanding the difference between various candies’ effects on your oral health is realizing what makes them cause cavities in the first place. The biggest hazard is sugar, which feeds the bacteria in your child’s mouth. Those bacteria emit an acid that erodes their teeth.
Which Candies are Best for My Child?
If sugar is the culprit, then the answer is simple: candies with less sugar are better for your child’s oral health. Time, however, is also a factor. Sweets that don’t hang around too long are less likely to lead to tooth decay.
Chocolate is an excellent example. It melts in your mouth, meaning it can be easily washed away by anything you’re drinking. There are also plenty of types of chocolate, like dark chocolate, that have relatively low sugar content. You should try and steer your child in this direction, if possible.
Which Candies are the Worst for My Child?
The worst sweets are ones that gum themselves onto your child’s teeth. Sticky and gummy candies should be avoided for this reason. Hard candies are also a problem in that they take a long time to dissolve, but have the additional hazard of potentially breaking your child’s teeth if they bite down on them.
Finally, sour candies are some of the most dangerous. They’re coated in citric acid, the same chemical that makes lemons sour (and makes them hurt your teeth). This acid, like the acid secreted by bacteria, can contribute to tooth decay if it sits in the mouth too long.
How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth This Halloween
At the end of the day, your child should be able to enjoy any candy in moderation. The most important thing is to maintain good dental hygiene. Have your child brush at least twice a day, and after eating sweets. Finally, consider scheduling a dental appointment for your child to make sure that the Halloween binge hasn’t done too much damage.
You might feel overwhelmed by the holidays but taking care of your child’s oral health doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of planning, you can have a great Halloween for them and their teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne S. Paulson received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Creighton University, and since then has helped people across the country achieve their perfect smile. He is proud to work at Casper Children’s Dental Clinic, the area’s longest-standing pediatric dental center, where he takes enormous joy in fostering children’s oral health. If you have any questions about how to take care of your child’s smile this Halloween, Dr. Paulson can be reached at his website or by phone at (307) 266-1997.