Halloween means candy, and candy can mean cavities. Even with
that scary thought, 79 percent of parents say that
trick-or-treating is a fun family tradition that they
’ll continue with their kids. With sour and sticky candies
emerging as children’s favorites, trick-or-treaters’ teeth can be
vulnerable to dental decay.
Halloween means candy, and candy can mean cavities. Even with that scary thought, 79 percent of parents say that trick-or-treating is a fun family tradition that they’ll continue with their kids. With sour and sticky candies emerging as children’s favorites, trick-or-treaters’ teeth can be vulnerable to dental decay.
Because of cavities, many people now give out tooth-friendly goodies and other alternatives to candy. According to the California Dental Association (CDA), even sticky and sugary foods that many people think are healthy options to candy can encourage tooth decay. Healthy trick-or-treat options for parents to hand out are sugarless gums and candies, cheese and crackers (available in individual packs) or creative alternatives like child-safe toys or toothbrushes.
“It’s not the amount of sugar in candy that can cause decay, but the amount of time the candy stays in the mouth,” said Dennis Kalebjian, D.D.S., CDA President.
“Candy offers a sustained attached food source for bacteria. The bacteria causes a continuous production of acids — that’s what can cause a cavity,” adds Dr. Kalebjian.
“In certain cases, bacterium is thought to double every 20 minutes. That’s a lot of bacteria growing in the mouth if one does not brush after eating sweets. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to brush and floss as soon as possible after eating any treats. When proper dental hygiene is followed, one is much less susceptible to have a cavity. Make this Halloween a happy one and brush out the bacteria candy can leave in your mouth.” For more information about oral health, go to www.cda.org or www.smilecalifornia.org.
The California Dental Association (CDA) is the nonprofit organization representing organized dentistry in California.
For more information, visit www.cda.org
