It is that time of year again when we start thinking of fun, spooky costumes, horror-themed parties, scary movie marathons, and giving out yummy candy to the ghosts and goblins that appear on our doorsteps.
That is right – it is almost Halloween in Toronto! Although October 31st is traditionally rooted in dark mythology, many of us think of the mountain of sweets we brought home as children and look forward to “helping” our kids root through their own treasure trove of treats.
It is entirely understandable that we want our families to enjoy the spoils of the evening. However, overindulging in Halloween candy can have severe ramifications on our oral health, leading to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease (gingivitis) if we are not careful.
Halloween candy and teeth: The impact of sugary treats on oral health
Our mouths are full of bacteria, both good and bad. The harmful bacteria feed on the sugar contained in the sweets we eat, turning into acids that can contribute to enamel erosion and tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay will lead to cavities, tooth pain, and, potentially, tooth loss.
Hard candy, such as lollipops and peppermints, can especially be harmful to teeth as they linger in the mouth longer, putting your teeth at risk for prolonged acid attacks. You can also chip or crack a tooth when biting down on hard candy. Similarly, sticky candy, including gummies and caramels, attaches itself to the teeth long after the candy is eaten, prompting acids to feast on tooth enamel.
However, kids and Halloween candy go hand-in-hand, and no one wants to spoil the fun of diving into their treat pile. You can minimize potential tooth damage by following a few simple tips.
Halloween dental tips on preventing cavities during Halloween
Avoid hard or sticky candy
As mentioned, hard or sticky candy tends to stick around longer than we would like them to. Candies that dissolve quickly, such as chocolate, dissolve faster, helping saliva to rinse the particles away and minimizing the risk of sticking to the teeth. In fact, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that help fight harmful oral bacteria, making it a preferred snacking choice for people who want to protect their teeth and gums from acid.
Designate snacking times
It is better to have designated snacking times rather than grazing on candy over an evening so the mouth has time to recover after exposure to excess sugar. Eating treats as part of a meal is also a good approach, as saliva production is high when we eat full meals.
Instill a candy curfew
Set a time when snacking on Halloween candy must stop and stick to it. We recommend that this time be no less than 30 minutes before the usual time for your children to brush their teeth to allow saliva to neutralize the acids in their mouths. Brushing too soon can drive the acids into the teeth, causing even more damage.
Drink water during and after snacking
Drinking water during snacking will help cleanse your mouth of food particles that might otherwise stick to your teeth. It also helps promote saliva production, which aids in protecting teeth from acid damage. Avoid consuming soda pop or fruit juice, as both contain high amounts of sugar that can also stick to teeth and promote tooth decay.
Practice good dental care after sweets
Maintaining our oral health with a regular brushing and flossing routine is critical, not just during Halloween but at any time of year. Ensure you and your family brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily. This routine will help wash away any remaining sugars or food particles, helping to keep your teeth and gums strong and problem-free.
Managing sugar intake for teeth: Offer healthy Halloween snack options
There is a lot that goes into being a good neighbour, and handing out healthy Halloween snacks or serving them at Halloween parties is a big part of it. Not only are you thinking of your own family’s oral health, but also that of your local community.
Here are some tooth-friendly “candy” options that both kids and adults love:
Fruits and vegetables
Hard fruits and vegetables make great pairings with traditional Halloween candy as they help dislodge any sticky treats from between the teeth. Check your local grocer for treat-sized, individually wrapped bags of baby carrots or apple slices to hand out at the door. Also, be sure to offer a large fruit and veggie platter when hosting guests at Halloween get-togethers.
Dairy products
Dairy products provide essential nutrients such as calcium and Vitamin D that are critical to maintaining bone strength and gum health. Yogurt tubes, individually wrapped cheese sticks, and small containers of milk or chocolate milk are also popular snack items with kids while trick or treating. Cheese platters at Halloween parties are always a sure-fire hit.
Sugar-free chewing gum
Chewing sugar-free gum for just 20 minutes after snacking or meals can help reduce tooth decay without adding more sugar to the surface of your teeth. Sugar-free gum aids in saliva production, neutralizing acids that can eat away at our tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Be sure to hand out small packages of gum to the ghosts and goblins at your door on Halloween night and offer it to your party guests as well.
Post-candy dental care: Book a dental checkup after Halloween to minimize tooth decay
The best way to prevent tooth decay after the Halloween snack fest is over is to book an appointment with your family dentist for a complete examination.
Our team at Yonge Eglinton Dental is thrilled to welcome your whole family into our offices to help ensure everyone’s teeth and gums are strong and healthy. We are especially sensitive to young people who may be apprehensive about dental visits, and use very empathetic and practical approaches to help them feel confident when in our office.
Talk to our team about how we can help give your family bright, beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime!
Learn more about protecting your family’s smiles during Halloween from the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
The dental professionals at Yonge Eglinton Dental focus on making sure your teeth look great and are as strong and healthy as possible all year round. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
