That time of year is approaching when dentists across the nation cringe: Halloween. While we can’t make everyone hand out toothbrushes and apples, we can educate you on some tips to follow when it comes to Halloween candy and your smile.
- #1 Choose Chocolate Over Sticky
- You’ll likely be looking at quite a few candy options in your trick-or-treat bag at the end of the night. If you want to protect your teeth, choose wisely. Overall, it is best to grab chocolate or peanut butter candies, as these will melt in your mouth and easily rinse away. Sticky candies like Laffy Taffy, Skittles and Starbursts should be at the bottom of your list. These types of treats are far more likely to stick to the pits and grooves of the teeth and cause harm.
- #2 Binging is Better Than Grazing
- If you must indulge, it is better to eat your candy all at once rather than nibble on it throughout the day. In other words, it is better to “insult” your teeth at one time rather than expose your pearly whites to a sugar bath over the course of many hours. This gives the bacteria and sugar more time to create harmful acids that attack your tooth enamel. After you binge on your Halloween candy, make sure to brush your teeth or at least drink a glass of water.
- #3 Don’t Be Deceived
- Most people consider candy as the most harmful snack for your smile. However, there are a few “healthy” snacks that can cause just as much threat. Watch out for gummy fruit snacks, raisins, dates and dried apricots. These are high in sugar and also have a tendency to get wedged in between your teeth.
Park South Dentistry encourages families to have fun and be safe this Halloween. However, please don’t forget to protect your smile. If you know your child will be eating candy throughout their trick-or-treating experience, go ahead and give them a water bottle to sip on during the night. Last but not least, don’t let your tired little goblins go to bed without brushing and flossing!
