Studies show the average American child may consume around three cups of sugar on Halloween. While your dentist will warn you about the damaging effects of sugar on your teeth, you might find yourself wondering— is it really true? And, if so, how can your child enjoy Halloween responsibly? Let these facts guide you in creating a healthy, happy, and sweet celebration.

How Does Halloween Candy Affect Your Child’s Teeth? 

Candy is full of sugar. The average bar has about 12.5 grams. Bacteria in your child’s mouth will feed on the sugar, turning it into acid which wreaks havoc on their enamel, resulting in decay or cavities. Plus, the longer the sugar is on your child’s teeth, the more time it has to dissolve enamel.

Some candies cause more damage than others. For example, sticky candies like gummies leave residue on your child’s teeth and get caught in crevices; they’re harder to brush away and thus more likely to damage. Sour candies are also especially bad because they’re more acidic, acting faster on teeth than other sweets. 

Sugar-free candies are a good alternative as they are without candy’s most dangerous ingredient, and they can protect your teeth by encouraging saliva production. Saliva helps to clean your mouth, removing sugar. 

What Can You Do to Protect Your Child’s Teeth?

They say the best offense is defense, and this applies to your teeth too. With your dentist’s help, you can encourage dental hygiene that serves your child on Halloween, and every other day of the year.

Make sure your child brushes regularly (at least twice a day), and starts flossing at around 3 years old. Even when they’re old enough to manage their dental routine, supervise or check in with them to make sure they’re doing a good job. Make sure you explain how these habits protect their pearly whites.

On Halloween, encourage your child to opt for more teeth-friendly treats such as sugar-free lollipops, sugar-free gum, and dark chocolate, which contains less sugar than milk or white chocolate. Instead of banning all sugary sweets, teach your child moderation.

Allow them to pick a certain number of candies from their bucket on Halloween night, and put the rest away for another night. You might also feed your child a filling meal before they go trick or treating to prevent them from grazing on their bucket too much.
 

Keep your child’s teeth cavity-free with regular visits to the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in La Crosse County, WI. Their experienced team provides numerous cosmetic and dental services, including teeth whitening, sealants, extractions, and regular cleanings. Dr. Mike Olsen, the clinic’s main dentist, is a member of the ADA and WDA and prioritizes the comfort of his patients. Call to make an appointment today at (608) 783-3341. Visit them online to read more about their dental services.