The Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Your Kids Teeth 

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Halloween is an exciting time for our little ones. They get to dress up as their favorite characters, go trick-or-treating, and hopefully get lots of delicious candy. This is where the parents may become a bit concerned. You don't want to spoil the magic of Halloween but you also don't want to damage your child's oral health. 

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So, what should you do? Is there even such a thing as good Halloween candy? Believe it or not, there is! 

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The Best Halloween Candies 

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"Candies" and "good" aren't really synonyms, but there actually are some treats that your little one can enjoy without fear of damaging their oral health: 

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• Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is actually one of the best sweets you can give your child. It contains antioxidants, it melts rather quickly than other types of candies, and it doesn't stick to the teeth. 

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• Sugar-free Candies: With sugar-free candies, your child can enjoy a sweet treat while also avoiding the harmful effects sugar can have on their teeth. Be careful, though, as consuming too many sugar-free candies may have a laxative effect. 

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• Nut-based Candies: While these can still have a bit of sugar, the protein content in the nuts can offset some of the sugar's effects. They are also more filling and less likely to stick to teeth.

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The Worst Halloween Candies 

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If possible, try to stay away from:

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• Sticky and Gummy Candies: These are perhaps the worst candies for your child's oral health. They stick to teeth and are hard to remove, giving bacteria plenty of time to feast and produce harmful acids. So, try to stay away from gummies, taffies, and the like.

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• Hard Candies: Sucking on hard candies exposes teeth to sugar over a prolonged period. Plus, your child may be tempted to bite down on them, which can increase the risk of broken or chipped teeth.

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• Sour Candies: Don't get fooled by their sour taste. Not only do these candies have a lot of sugar, but they are very acidic too. This combination can be particularly tough on enamel, making these a double threat.

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How to Enjoy a Tooth-friendly Halloween

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A lot of parents are asking us if they should just prohibit their children from having any candies on Halloween altogether. While that's your decision to make, we believe that the secret lies in a balanced approach. If your child has a healthy and nutritious diet, they may be allowed to enjoy a few extra sweet treats on special occasions like Halloween. 

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Make sure to set some clear rules so that everyone can have fun: 

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• Let your kids know from the start how much candy they are allowed to eat. Offer healthier alternatives once they reach their limits. 

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• Make sure they drink lots of water to wash away sugars and acids. 

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• Ensure your child brushes and flosses their teeth thoroughly before going to bed, especially on Halloween night.

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Preventive Care Is Key 

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At Smile Ark Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that you can have a few sweet treats and good oral health. They are not mutually exclusive if you practice moderation. 

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To make sure your child has good oral health, brush their teeth and bring them in every six months for a routine checkup. You can book their appointment right now online or by calling (617) 372-2532.