Dentist sure do cringe as Halloween and the buckets of candy being distributed, but we’re not necessarily complete scrooges when it comes to this holiday. Anything is okay in moderation but there are types of candies we recommend to stay away from and others that are fine to enjoy.

1. Sort the candy. When you are raiding your child’s candy bag, separate the stack into two parts. Place the “Troublesome” taffy, caramels “cause calamity”, “ghastly” gummies, anything that is sticky, chewy or sour into the first pile. All of the other candy goes into the second pile.
   
2. Avoid the first pile. Dental cavities have a proven cause-and-effect relationship with extended exposure to sugary or sour substances. Oral bacteria thrives in this environment and converts these substances to acid that can, in turn, lead to cavities.
3. Watch your family’s consumption of these sweet treats during this season. A great tip is to leave the candy wrappers in a visible area so that you remember how many of these ghoulish confections you’ve eaten.
4. Chew sugar-free gum to help you ration your sweet intake. Ingredients like Xylitol and Sorbitol, low calorie sweeteners found in some gum, can actually be  beneficial to your oral health. Research has shown that these sweeteners starve destructive bacteria, allowing your mouth to replenish minerals to your teeth. Get advice from your Dentist on the frequency and amount recommended.
5. Talk to your kids about oral health. This is a great time to reinforce the twice-a-day brushing routine and the daily “oh-so-dreaded flossing” regime. Always remember, children will mostly do as they see. The most ideal scenario would be to brush after consumption of candy. If that’s not possible, then encourage your child to eat candy within a few minutes instead of snacking throughout the day, and then wash away some of the sugar by drinking a glass of water. And remember, Halloween is a great time to call your dentist and get the family scheduled for a check-up!

Happy Halloween from all of us at Martin Family & Cosmetic Dentistry! Be safe and be smart.