Halloween is around the corner! That’s why pediatric dentists want parents to know which candies they shouldn’t let their children eat after a night of trick-or-treating. While it may not be possible to prevent your kid from having candy on Halloween, there are some that can do more damage than others. The following are some of the more harmful ones dental care professionals recommend avoiding.

5 Candies Pediatric Dentists Want Kids to Skip This Halloween

1. Skittles®

They may be a popular item, but they stick to teeth very easily. Although virtually all candies contain sugar, stickier ones like Skittles have a better chance of leaving sugar behind on your child’s teeth. If your child eats any, make sure they brush their teeth thoroughly after.

2. Laffy Taffy®

Any taffy-style candy is far too sticky to be safe for teeth. A child needs to brush and floss extensively to remove all traces of sugar from their teeth after eating these kinds of treats. Encourage them to disregard items like Laffy Taffy in favor of candies that aren’t as sticky.

3. Now & Later®

Now and Later is another taffy-style candy that kids should avoid. If you limit your child to only a few pieces of candy a day after Halloween — which you should — let them know they have to choose from other options first.

4. Jawbreakers

Large, hard jawbreakers are dangerous not only because they contain sugar, but also because some kids like to dare each other to bite into them. These candies are hard enough to do damage if your kid tries to take a bite out of one.

5. Sour Candies

Most sour candies are highly acidic. Thus, they can severely damage a child’s teeth. Over time, they may wear down the enamel, making your child much more vulnerable to cavities.

If you need a pediatric dentist in the Aiea, Honolulu, or Kahului, HI, areas, get in touch with Pedodontic Associates, offering dental care to children throughout the region for over 25 years. They’ll work closely with you as your child develops, making sure you’re doing everything you should be to protect their dental health. Call (808) 487-7933 for their Aiea office, (808) 753-1733 for their Honolulu office, (808) 877-0066 for their Kahului office, or visit them online for more information.