Halloween is right around the corner, and it is one of the most exciting times for everyone, especially kids. Halloween is a fantastic event for children because it allows them to be creative with their costumes and have a lot of fun with their peers while receiving and eating candy. On the other hand, parents worry about Halloween because they know that if their children overeat on candy trick-or-treating, they will acquire cavities. That’s why it’s important to strike a balance between enjoying treats and protecting their teeth. With a few smart strategies, kids can still savor the holiday fun without putting their smiles at risk.

Are All Candies Harmful to Children?

Not all candies are harmful. While you may not be able to dissuade your children from enjoying candies, some candies are both safe and beneficial to their dental health. Hard, sugar-free candy falls into this category. These sweets stimulate saliva production, which helps to prevent cavities and wash away lingering food particles. Chewing gum without sugar, for example, helps shift food out of the crevices between the teeth, which encourages saliva production. It protects against cavities and neutralizes acid in the mouth.

Four Candies Your Child Should Avoid

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are commonly used as alternatives to children’s candies, but they contain the same amount of sugar. Instead, you may provide your children with fresh fruits to keep them healthy and safe.

Sour Candy

These very acidic candies can cause enamel wear and expose your child’s teeth to harmful elements, eventually leading to decay and injury.

Hard Candy

Hard sweets, such as sour balls and lollipops, are bad for your child’s dental health since they stay in the mouth for long periods and expose the teeth to sugar.

Sticky Candy

Because they are sticky, candies like Skittles, Twix, and taffies can stay in the mouth for an extended period, making them significantly responsible for tooth disease. They can also cause tooth pain, making dental fillings fall out.

Trust Bubble Children’s Dentistry for Post-Halloween Checkups 

While you may not be able to completely prevent your child from eating candles on Halloween, you may restrict their candy intake by providing healthy options. You can contact us at Bubble Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics for assistance in prescribing healthier alternatives to treats that we believe your child will love. Contact us at (617) 655-9410 or request an appointment online to schedule a teeth cleaning for your child after Halloween.