How bad is Halloween candy for your teeth?

Halloween has become a big tradition in the US, the children often look forward to because they can dress-up and eat lots of candy. With this said, Halloween is a good reminder to tend to you and your family’s oral health. Large amounts of candy consumption and lead to numerous health problems. We’re not saying that candy should be prohibited, as this can lead to unhealthy eating habits. We do, however, recommend consuming candy in moderation.

Candy is loaded with sugars and acids that are extremely harmful for teeth. They can create hazardous environments in our mouths that cause bacteria to grow exponentially. This puts our teeth at risk for cavities and other infections. During Halloween and throughout the year, it’s imperative that good oral care habits are practiced in order to maintain a healthy smile. Additionally, after consuming candy, brushing your teeth thoroughly is highly encouraged. If this is not possible, rinse your mouth out or drink a glass of water. This will help flush away any leftover particles until you have access to a toothbrush.

In other words, we won’t give Halloween candy a bad name. It is okay to let your kids indulge on this day and you could even do so yourself. However, we recommend paying close attention to the amount of candy consumed by each individual family member while also making sure that everyone brushes thoroughly afterward.

On behalf of Trunkey Dental, we wish you all a happy and cavity-free Halloween!