As Halloween is creeping up, your child may start thinking about their costume. They may be debating between their favorite character or another one. But this holiday may not be as exciting for you anymore, because now you are worried about them eating too many sweets. Not only can they get tummy aches, but also cavities! However, some candies are better than others, so learn about the best and worst ones for their growing smile.
Which Candies Are Bad for My Child?
Just a quick reminder, the treats they’ll likely get while going door to door are full of sugar. This isn’t the best because it can get stuck on their teeth. Bacteria in the mouth will then eat it and produce an acid that dissolves enamel. This can lead to the cavities you are worried about or decay.
Some sweets are worse than others because they can linger longer, so you should help your child avoid:
- Hard candy can cause problems because they are meant to be sucked on. With every lick, more and more sugar is exposed to your child’s mouth. Not only that, but biting down into it can chip a tooth!
- Sour candy has the same issue as the one above, but it has another layer to it! These are acidic, which can erode enamel if they are eaten too often.
- Sticky candy, as you can imagine, gets stuck easily between teeth. It might be hard for your loved one to fully clean it out of their grin.
What Candy Options Are Better?
Although if you take their sweets, then your child is likely to be a bit upset about it! They might throw a fuss. Fruits and other items may not have the same novelty, so letting them have some of these candies can be a better option for their smile:
- Chocolate is a tasty choice that doesn’t get stuck on teeth as often. If it does, then it can melt and get washed away by some water.
- Sugar-free candy may be a good way to go because it limits how much enamel-dissolving acid the bacteria can make. In fact, these can encourage saliva production, which washes these harmful microbes away.
- Candy with nuts is better because of this healthy additive! They are a source of protein and fiber, but they can also help break off any stuck pieces.
About the Practice
At My Riverdale Dentist, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Cyrus Allafi and Dr. Sara Saba. We are here to help people of all ages in the community get their best smiles, including your child. Our goal is to make their dental care as fun and encouraging as possible, so their appointments are easier for you and them. If you’re worried about cavities in your loved one, schedule an appointment for them or call (301) 927-8478.