Halloween is coming up, and we all know what that means… Candy! While it’s fun to get into the spooky spirit with treats, some candies are a lot better for your teeth than others. Let’s talk about the best and worst Halloween treats for your smile, and what you can do to protect your teeth no matter what you eat.
The Worst Treats for Your Teeth
The biggest troublemakers for your teeth are sticky and chewy candies. Think of things like taffy, caramels, and gummy bears. These candies love to stick to the tiny grooves and spaces between your teeth. When they get stuck, it’s very difficult for your saliva to wash them away. This gives the germs that cause cavities a long time to work on your teeth.
The Best Treats for Your Teeth
So, what should you go for? Chocolate is a better choice! Unlike sticky candies, chocolate melts and washes away from your teeth much more easily. Dark chocolate is even better because it has less sugar than milk chocolate. Another good option is a sugar-free treat, or even a non-candy item like a sticker or a temporary tattoo.
A Trick for Your Treats: Sugar-Free Gum
Here’s a cool Halloween trick you can use. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating a treat can be a big help for your teeth. When you chew gum, your mouth makes more saliva. This extra saliva helps to rinse away the leftover sugars and food bits from your teeth. It also helps to strengthen your teeth by bringing minerals to them. So, if you’re going to have a piece of candy, chewing a piece of sugar-free gum afterward is a smart move for your oral health.
No matter what you choose to eat, the most important thing is to remember to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Happy Halloween, and keep that smile sparkling!
