Not All Halloween Treats Are Created Equal

Halloween is one night when treats are part of the tradition, and that’s perfectly fine. Enjoying a few sweet things is part of the fun. But when it comes to your teeth, some treats are much kinder than others, and knowing the difference can help your family enjoy the night without giving tooth decay a head start.

How Treats Affect Your Teeth

Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that can soften tooth enamel. The longer sugar stays on the teeth, and the more often it arrives, the more time those acids have to work. That’s why the type of treat, and the way it’s eaten, can matter as much as how many treats are eaten.

The Treats to Watch

Some Halloween classics are tougher on teeth than others:

• Sticky and chewy treats. Caramels, toffees and other chewy treats cling to teeth and settle into the grooves, where they can stay for hours.
• Hard treats and lollipops. These dissolve slowly, keeping sugar in contact with teeth for a long time. Biting down on them can also chip or crack a tooth.
• Sour treats. Many sour treats are both sugary and acidic, a combination that can wear away enamel more quickly.
• Sugary drinks. Soft drinks and other sweet drinks at Halloween parties add another layer of sugar and acid.

The Kinder Choices

Chocolate tends to be one of the more tooth-friendly options, because it melts quickly and clears from the teeth more easily than sticky treats. Chocolate without caramel or chewy fillings is the better pick. Sugar-free gum can be a good choice too, since chewing helps stimulate saliva, the mouth’s natural way of rinsing away food and balancing out acid. Non-food treats like stickers, small toys or glow sticks are also a fun alternative to hand out at the door.

Timing Makes a Difference

When treats are eaten can be just as important as which ones. Treats enjoyed with a meal or straight after are generally easier on teeth than snacks spread out across the day, because saliva flow is higher at mealtimes. A glass of water after eating treats helps rinse sugar away.

After sour or acidic treats, it’s a good idea to wait around 30 minutes to an hour before brushing, since enamel can be softer straight after acid exposure. Rinsing with water in the meantime is a gentle way to help. And of course, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth keeps everyone on track through Halloween and beyond.

A Healthy Smile After Halloween

If it’s been a while since your family’s last check-up, the weeks after Halloween are a great time to book one. Our team is always happy to help your family keep their smiles healthy, Halloween treats and all.