Watching scary movies, carving pumpkins, and dressing up in costume is only part of the fun. For many kids (and many adults), eating candy during Halloween is an indispensable tradition.
While we’re sure you’re aware, and we hate to rain on your parade, candy is bad for your teeth. The sugar feeds the bacteria that live in your mouth and give off acid that damages your enamel, which can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this–besides giving up candy!
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy During Halloween
Eat Candy After a Meal. When you eat, your saliva production increases. This helps to rinse away the sugar that clings to your teeth, reducing the amount of time your enamel is exposed to harmful acids. That’s why it’s a good idea to treat yourself to your favorite candy after a meal. Your saliva production will be up, plus, you’ll be full and less likely to gorge. It’s also a good rule of thumb to avoid snacking on candy throughout the day. Spreading consumption out over a period of time will result in exposure to more sugar.
Eat a Healthy Diet. If your diet is healthy overall, you can better afford a small candy treat. So, eat a balanced diet with fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Avoid processed starches and added sugars, especially sugary beverages like sodas, juices, and sweetened teas.
Choose Wisely. Certain candies are more harmful than others. The worst offenders are sticky candies like caramel and taffy. They can get stuck in your teeth, so the sugar has a better chance of doing damage. Hard candies are also not the best. Since you suck on them for a prolonged period, the sugar tends to stick around for longer. Better choices are chocolate and peanut butter cups. These aren’t so sticky, and they melt and dissolve quickly. For the same reason, powdered candies like pixie sticks are better picks.
We wish you and your family a safe and fun Halloween!