Avoid Tooth Decay This Halloween: The Candy to Watch Out For

What types of candy tend to cause tooth decay?

With Halloween just around the corner, many people of all ages are gearing up for a night of trick-or-treating and Halloween parties. While indulging in sugary treats is part of the fun, it's important to be mindful of which candies can cause the most tooth decay.

Candies that are sticky and chewy, such as gummy bears, fruit snacks, and caramels, tend to be the worst offenders. These candies can stick to your teeth for a long time, giving bacteria more time to feed on the sugar and produce acids that can damage your teeth.

Hard candies, such as lollipops and jawbreakers, can also be harmful to your teeth. These candies can take a long time to dissolve, which means they can stay in your mouth for a long time and expose your teeth to sugar.

How to prevent tooth decay from Halloween candy

There are a few things you can do to prevent tooth decay from Halloween candy:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth once a day.
• Avoid sugary snacks and drinks throughout the day.
• If you do eat candy, try to choose sugar-free or low-sugar options.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating candy.

Additional tips for a healthy Halloween

In addition to following the tips above, you can also take the following steps to have a healthy Halloween:

• Set a limit on how much candy your child can eat.
• Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, throughout the day.
• Make sure your child brushes their teeth before going to bed.