When deciding on what treat to give out this Halloween, choose something sugar-free or something you can’t eat!
With Halloween fast approaching, you should be thinking about the health of your neighbors as well as your own children’s teeth. While it is true that candy can be bad for your teeth, there are certain candies that are not. Let’s take a look at some good and bad candies for your teeth this Halloween as well as some alternative treats.
The Good
Not all candy has to be filled with sugar and preservatives. When choosing a candy from the store shelves, choose something that says “sugar-free” on it. Sugar-free lollipops and hard candies are one of the best treats and can actually help your teeth. These treats stimulate saliva and help to prevent dry mouth. A dry mouth helps plaque buildup on your teeth faster and can lead to cavities. The next treat is sugar-free gum. This chewing gum can be used to prevent cavities and used to increase saliva. Gum works to dislodge food stuck between teeth and is better than other sticky candy. The final candy that is good for your teeth is dark chocolate. While chocolate is filled with sugar, dark chocolates are filled with antioxidants and can be good for your heart and may even lower your blood pressure.
The Bad
Sugary snacks like cookies and candy corn contain high amounts of sugar, which helps foster tooth decay. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, speeding up the decaying process. Chewy or sticky sweets like gummies, taffy, and even dried fruit are a good source of tooth decay. These treats get stuck on teeth, letting the bacteria attach to your teeth and attack. Sour candies contain high levels of acids and work to break down tooth enamel. If your children (or you) can’t resist these treats, make sure to brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating.
The Alternative
Instead of giving out sweets or candy of any kind, think about choosing a food alternative. You can give out things like glow sticks, spider rings, bubbles, stickers, pencils or crayons, mini Slinkys, playing card, noisemakers, bouncy balls, and other novelty items. These items can be found at our local dollar store or party supply shop. They are relatively inexpensive and can help maintain a healthy smile. They are also good for children with food allergies and will put a smile on everyone’s face!
Halloween is about fun and being kids again, don’t let your children’s smile suffer for one night of treats. Choose a healthy snack or a non-food treat to give out this Halloween!
Happy Halloween from Catonsville Dental Care
Regularly seeing your Catonsville Dental Care dentist will help to determine if you are in need of a fluoride treatment. For more information on fluoride treatments as well as other preventative dental care services, call Catonsville Dental Care today! Call today at 410-747-1115, or submit any questions by visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com