Over $9 billion is spent on Halloween candy every year in America. While there’s no denying how delectable and delicious each fun sized treat is, the more your child eats, the more they’re at risk of developing oral health problems. It makes sense that you wouldn’t want to completely deny your little one the fun of going trick-or-treating and enjoying their spoils. However, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce candy’s effect on children’s teeth. Read on to learn what the big deal is about sugar and some helpful Halloween candy tips to avoid cavities developing in your little one’s mouth.
Why is Sugar Bad For Your Mouth?
When you eat food, the particles combine with your saliva and form a thin, soft coating over your teeth called plaque. Carbohydrates and sugars found in plaque happen to be harmful oral bacteria’s favorite food. As they feed off of these substances, the bacteria accumulate in your mouth and produce waste like acid and toxins. The acid causes enamel erosion, which weakens your teeth and leaves them vulnerable to decay and infection. The toxins are known to cause the early symptoms of gum disease, which are inflammation, bleeding, and irritation.
What Candy Should Your Child Avoid?
Over the next few months, it’ll be tempting for your child to constantly snack on their Halloween stash of sugary sweets. One preventive step you can take to keep them from developing oral health problems over this period is to control what types of candy they’re eating. Here are some to be sure to avoid:
- Hard candies that have to be sucked on means that their teeth will be exposed to sugar for a longer period of time.
- Sticky candies like gummies, caramels, and popcorn balls stick to their teeth and are hard to get off.
- Sour candies are typically more acidic, causing excessive enamel erosion.
Your best bet is to stick with candies that are easy to eat and won’t risk damaging your child’s teeth. Chocolate is a great choice because it washes off teeth easily. If your child loves dark chocolate, that’s even better because it typically contains less sugar.
How Can You Prevent Cavities Caused By Halloween Candy?
There are countless steps you can take to keep Halloween candy from ruining your little one’s oral health. To keep any issues from developing, be sure to:
- Keep them from snacking on sweets regularly throughout the day.
- Help them maintain a nutritious diet.
- Keep them hydrated with water.
- Steer clear of sugary beverages.
With routine preventive care like regular brushing and flossing, you can keep harmful oral bacteria from accumulating in your child’s mouth. It’s also a good idea to take them to their children’s dentist for their semi-annual checkup and cleaning to make sure any forming cavities are taken care of before they get worse.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Carmen enjoys providing patients of all ages with high-quality dental treatments that keep their smiles healthy and beautiful. He has advanced training in several areas of dentistry and has completed thousands of hours of continuing education. He understands the importance of giving growing smiles the tools and knowledge they need to keep their mouths in great shape, which is why he takes the time to explain treatments and communicate with each of his patients, no matter their age. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning for you and your child, visit his website or call 405-364-2200.