For children, Halloween isn’t complete until they get to go trick or treating through their neighborhood, collecting as much free candy as possible. And while this tradition is sacred for millions of kids across the country, it can be a nightmare for parents and dentists. As a parent, you want your child to enjoy the holiday, but you also want to help them avoid tooth decay and other problems caused by candy.
Halloween candy is especially problematic because many children binge on large amounts of sugary candy in one sitting as opposed to only eating one or two pieces per day. Along with controlling how much candy your child consumes, you should also be aware of the good and bad candy options for your child. To learn more, contact an Austin dentist of BridgeView Dental today at 512-347-8299.
Good and Bad Candy
When your child comes home after trick-or-treating, you should consider removing some of the following candy that can be very damaging to your teeth:
- Hard candy such as lollipops, jawbreakers, and other candy that is tempting to crunch down on or candy that stays in your mouth for long periods of time
- Sour candy, which has large amounts of acid. This can break down tooth enamel, leaving your teeth permanently damaged.
- Taffy, caramel, and other chewy or sticky candy that can get stuck in between teeth
- Chocolate with nougat or peanuts that can easily get stuck in your child’s teeth
Instead of the above candy, let your child eat candy that is good for his or her body and teeth, such as small amount of dark chocolate without any nuts or filling and sugar free gum.
Contact Us
To learn more about Halloween candy and your child’s teeth, contact our Austin dentists of BridgeView Dental today at 512-347-8299 and schedule an appointment.