Candy is notoriously bad for teeth because these products contain sugars that increase acidic conditions in the mouth, and, in turn, raise the risk of cavities. But when you’re a parent, limiting candy can be challenging, especially when your kid has a sweet tooth. The good news is that several alternatives aren’t as bad for dental care as hard and sticky candies like caramel, gummies, and taffy. If you’re looking to reduce the damage candy has on your child’s smile, here are a few safer options to consider.

5 Sweet Treats That Aren’t So Bad for Dental Health

1. Chocolate Bars

While chocolate contains sugar, it dissolves faster than other types of sweets and poses a lower risk of tooth decay. Dark chocolate is even better for dental care because it contains less sugar than milk chocolate and supplies antioxidants that are known to help support oral health. If you choose chocolate, avoid options with sticky caramel or nougat fillings.

2. Chocolate-Covered Nuts

If your kid enjoys a little crunch, consider chocolate-covered nuts. Nuts—such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts—feature a unique texture that can help scrub teeth clean. They are also rich in calcium, protein, and other nutrients that can help strengthen teeth.

3. Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing on sugar-free gum can increase saliva production, which helps rinse away dangerous bacteria and food debris from teeth. Better yet, sugar-free gum is available in a variety of flavors, giving children plenty of options to enjoy.

4. Oatmeal Cookies

When you’re looking for a way to bake without putting dental care in danger, consider mixing up a batch of oatmeal cookies made with stevia, a natural sweetener, instead of sugar. Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which is known to promote saliva production. You might also mix in a few raisins, which are naturally sweet treats that contain compounds known to suppress cavity-causing oral bacteria.

5. Sugar-Free Lollipops  

Lollipops and other hard candies are particularly bad for teeth, as they tend to linger in the mouth, giving the sugar more opportunity to coat enamel. Sugar-free lollipops can help sidestep this danger by increasing salivary flow without exposure to cavity-causing elements. If your child enjoys this treat, make sure they don’t bite or chew on the candy, as the pressure may cause their teeth to chip.

Whatever treats your child enjoys, regular brushing, flossing, and cleanings from a pediatric dentist are still critical to protecting your little one’s oral health. Fortunately, as a patient of La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry, taking care of your child’s teeth is easy. Providing everything from teeth cleaning to fillings and protective sealants, this caring children’s dentist of La Crosse, WI, will help defend your kid’s smile in a fun and comfortable way. To learn more about their services, visit this dental care provider online. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 782-4054.