Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing MI
Halloween is right around the corner, and parents know that means buckets of sugary candy available at a simple hand swipe through the confectionery sweets. Unfortunately, sugar from the candy is a vital component for bacterial growth that can result in cavities. As bacteria consume sugar, they secrete acid that attacks the outer tooth layer, enamel. As the unwanted culprit causes damage, it can result in cavity development and gum disease. Although enjoying candy on special occasions is less threatening to your oral health, you should commit to brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. To help you navigate the Halloween candy windfall, the Okemos family dentist at Tenaglia Smiles, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares the best and worst Halloween treats for your teeth.
Worst Halloween Treats
- Sticky and Chewy
Sticky and chewy candy poses an immediate and continual risk to your oral health because it attaches to your teeth, is challenging to remove, and may linger in the crevices of your teeth. In addition, treats like gummy candies, taffy, and caramel could cause damage to dental treatments, such as pulling off a bridge, pulling out a filling, or loosening or detaching metal braces brackets.
- Hard Candy
Hard candy typically spends long periods in your mouth as it slowly dissolves. Unfortunately, the continuous sugary coating promotes bacterial growth, which often results in cavities and gum disease. Additionally, hard candy can chip or crack a tooth when biting down to break it, resulting in possible pain and increased dental expenses.
- Sour Candy
Sour candy packs a double punch to your oral health. Sour varieties not only have high sugar content, but they are also often highly acidic, which causes tooth enamel weakening. As the enamel weakens, it becomes more vulnerable to bacterial attacks that can result in extensive damage.
- Candy Coated Popcorn or Caramel Corn
Popcorn kernels are notorious for finding the crevices between your teeth and getting stuck. In addition, when adding a candy coating or sticky caramel to the mix, you increase your cavity risk because of the sugary substance on the popcorn. Also, the sugar layers can harden and damage your teeth when you take a bite.
- Chocolate
Chocolate lovers rejoice because chocolate is a minor offender of dental damage. Since chocolate dissolves quickly in your mouth, it doesn’t linger or poses increased tooth decay or cavity risk compared to other candy varieties. However, chocolate has a high sugar content, and you should eat it in moderation to further protect your oral health.
Healthier Halloween Treats
- Mini Granola Bars
Individually low-sugar wrapped granola bars from different brands with varying ingredients are a healthy oral choice that benefits your waistline.
- Bagged Mini Pretzels
Mini pretzels are a salty substitution to traditional sweet treats that pack crunch kids love and are available to purchase in bulk at your local retail store.
- Mini Popcorn Bags
Brushing your teeth after eating popcorn is essential, but it is a healthier alternative to sugary treats, especially since there are organic and non-GMO varieties available.
- Fruit Leathers or Chews
A traditional fruit roll-up includes added sugars that can be harmful to your oral health and waistline. Choosing natural real fruit leathers or chews reduces sugar consumption.
- Yogurt Covered Raisins and Craisins
Dried fruit is a naturally sweet chewy snack good for your overall health and wellness, travel size, and tasty with a yogurt shell.
- Apples
High-fiber fruits like apples provide the sweetness to help curb a sweet tooth attack and fiber that keeps you full. With so many varieties, you are sure to find one suited to your tastes.
Family Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Choosing healthier Halloween treats to hand out to trick or treaters may be a better idea than some types of candy. However, it can be challenging to resist a few pieces that can cause the most oral health damage with so many candy options. Therefore, enjoy the candy pieces in moderation, and be sure to brush and floss after consuming the serving. Finally, please schedule an appointment with our family dentist in Lansing, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, for a regular checkup and cleaning after Halloween to help prevent compounded oral health problems. Call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733, or feel free to schedule an appointment online today.