HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- While many look forward to Halloween costumes and sweet treats in October, it’s not the only thing the staff at the Hanscom Dental Clinic celebrates.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month. As you enjoy your candy haul, your teeth might feel tricked. With all the sugar in Halloween treats, the Hanscom dental staff wants you to remember a few tips to keep your smile healthy without sacrificing the fun.
The scary truth about sugar
Halloween candy is packed with sugar, and despite its delicious taste, it can wreak havoc on your teeth.
When sugar is metabolized by bacteria in your mouth, it forms acid. This acid attacks enamel, leading to cavities and decay. The more frequently you snack on sweets, the more your teeth are exposed to these harmful acids.
Best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth
All candy contains sugar, but some are worse for your teeth than others. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate your candy stash:
Best options:
- Chocolate: Good news! Chocolate is one of the better options, especially dark chocolate. It washes off your teeth more easily than other types of candy and contains less sugar than some other treats.
- Sugar-free gum: Not only does gum satisfy a sweet craving, it also helps produce saliva, which naturally cleans your teeth.
Worst options:
- Sticky candies (caramel, gummies, taffy): These candies stick to your teeth for a longer time, giving bacteria more opportunity to produce cavity-causing acid.
- Hard candies (lollipops, jawbreakers): These dissolve slowly, extending your teeth’s exposure to sugar. Biting down on them can also lead to cracked or chipped teeth.
- Sour candy: Sour treats contain more acid, which weakens and erodes tooth enamel.
Tips to protect your teeth this Halloween
- Limit Candy Consumption to Mealtimes: Eating sweets alongside or right after meals is better for your teeth. Increased saliva production during meals helps rinse away food particles and neutralize harmful acids.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps wash away sugar and increases saliva production, which is your mouth's natural defense against tooth decay.
- Avoid Nibbling on Candy: It’s tempting to nibble on Halloween candy throughout the day, but frequent snacking increases the time sugar is in contact with your teeth. Instead, enjoy your candy all at once, then brush your teeth afterward.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Be sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once to remove any sticky candy or sugar left between your teeth.
- Consider Healthier Alternatives: Try swapping some of the candy for non-sugary treats like dark chocolate-covered nuts, popcorn or fruit-based snacks. You can also offer non-candy items to trick-or-treaters, like stickers, small toys or glow sticks.
A Halloween smile to remember
This Halloween, enjoy your favorite treats responsibly by following these simple tips to protect your teeth. After all, a healthy smile lasts longer than a candy bar. Don’t forget to schedule your post-Halloween dental check-up to ensure no sneaky cavities have appeared. To schedule, please call 781-225-6324 (active duty only).
(This article offers valuable dental care advice while embracing the fun of Halloween.)