Your kids’ dentist will certainly never recommend allowing your children to eat large amounts of candy in one sitting. However, eating some candy is in the spirit of Halloween, and it only happens once per year. Help prevent your children from harming their teeth by learning which types of candy will do the most amount of damage. Consult the guide below to help your children have a healthy holiday while still enjoying some treats. 

What Candy Should Kids Avoid on Halloween?

A general rule of thumb for determining the potential tooth damage that can be caused by sweet treats is to think about how long the sugar will remain in contact with the teeth. For example, hard candies and lollipops stay in your child’s mouth for a long time, and gummy candy can get stuck in the crevices between teeth. Anything with very high amounts of sugar is also best avoided to prevent tooth decay.

Another common Halloween treat is sour candy. These candies are highly acidic and can weaken the outer enamel of teeth, making them vulnerable to cavities. If your children do eat any of these candies, make sure that they practice proper dental care immediately afterward. A visit to your kids’ dentist soon after for a teeth cleaning is also a smart idea.

What Are the Best Candy Choices for Oral Health?

Luckily, for children and adults alike, chocolate is one of the best candy choices for your dental health. Chocolate can be consumed quickly and is easily washed off of the teeth by saliva. This means that its sugar won’t stay on the teeth, and it can eliminate the chances of premature tooth decay. Dark chocolate is an even better choice because it’s lower in sugar, and it may even contain health benefits due to its high antioxidant content.

Because the sugar in candy is the main cause of tooth decay, sugar-free candy is always a healthier option for oral health. Sugar-free lollipops, hard candies, and gum in moderation are all approved by kids’ dentists for Halloween night. These candies actually stimulate saliva without spreading tooth-damaging sugar, which can lead to a decreased risk of cavities. Increased saliva also prevents dry mouth and neutralizes oral acid. Sugar-free gum also dislodges the food stuck in between the teeth for a cleaner smile.

Entrust your children’s dental care to an experienced kids’ dentist by visiting Pure Dental Care NY in New York City. This Manhattan dental clinic is designed to make you and your children feel at home during every visit. The knowledgeable staff and advanced facility will help assure you that you’ve chosen the right office for your little one. Make your post-Halloween appointment today by calling (212) 256-1292 or learn more about your first visit online.