Consumer Reports (10/14, Warren) states that candy is “the star” of Halloween, making it “nearly impossible to avoid.” The article notes that 76 percent of dentists also hand out candy for the holiday, according to the American Dental Association. A Consumer Reports dietitian does not discourage indulging on candy for special occasions, but says it is best to avoid consuming candy over several weeks. The article offers several ways to “have a healthy Halloween,” such as buying candy to hand out closer to Halloween, so there’s less time for family members to snack on it; eating a healthy snack or meal before trick-or-treating; avoiding “stickies and sours” and opting for chocolate instead, which washes off teeth more easily than other candy options; and trading in some of the candy collected.
Steer Kids Away From Stickies and Sours
These are the worst candies for dental health. “The longer treats stay in contact with the tooth, the higher chance that they will promote cavity formation,” says James Nickman, D.D.S., M.S., an associate clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Sticky candies like gummies, taffy, and caramel can also pull off braces and get stuck in the spaces between teeth. Sour candies are acidic, which can wear away tooth enamel. Treats that are sticky and sour or sour ones that stay in your mouth for a long time are double-trouble.
Chocolate is a better option. It melts, so the time it spends in contact with teeth is minimal. Other tooth-friendly treats are sugar-free gum, popcorn, pretzels, and crackers.
Serve a Healthy Chaser After Candy
While it’s ideal for your child to brush and floss after a snack (and certainly a candy-laden afternoon), doing so may not be practical. “Drinking water helps to rinse some of the sugary treats off the teeth until a more thorough cleaning is possible,” Nickman says. Or give your child a little cheese (like mozzarella string cheese) and a small apple. It's a good blood sugar balancing snack to help with post-candy recovery. And cheese helps neutralize acid in the mouth, which decreases the risk of tooth erosion and developing cavities, according to a 2013 study published in the journal General Dentistry.
For the full article:
https://www.consumerreports.org/healthy-eating/have-a-healthy-halloween/