Halloween Is Here! Tips For Keeping Your Kids Teeth Free Of Cavities

October 30, 2022

It's that time of year again, Halloween is back and kids are going to be out and about trick or treating! It is always fun to see who gets the most candy or who gets the best candy, but we will take the reins on this to make sure who gets the least amount of cavities. It is okay to let your child have some sweets, but you need to have a plan in place to let them have it in moderation. Here are some tips to keep your child on track for a healthy smile. 


  • Eat Halloween candy with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.

YOU MUST CHOOSE YOUR CANDY CAREFULLY. TRY TO AVOID HARD CANDY AND OTHER SWEETS THAT STAY IN YOUR MOUTH FOR A LONG TIME. THE LENGTH OF TIME SUGARY FOOD IS IN YOUR MOUTH PLAYS A ROLE IN TOOTH DECAY. UNLESS IT IS A SUGAR-FREE PRODUCT, CANDIES THAT STAY IN THE MOUTH FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME SUBJECT TEETH TO AN INCREASED RISK FOR TOOTH DECAY. 

  • Gummies, caramel, or any other sticky candies cling to your teeth. The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
  • If you have braces, keep in mind how much and what type of candy you are eating. Popcorn is also popular during this time of year so be careful with the kernels. Always remember to floss, especially after sticky and hard sweets. 
  •  Drink plenty of water to wash down all those sweets. Stay away from sugary beverages such as soda, flavored water, or sport drinks while eating candy. 
  • Of course, it goes without saying, brush and floss your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day. 


Check out the ADA website for more information: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/halloween-tips/


If you have any concerns in regards to your child’s dental health, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Live & Smile team. Happy Halloween!

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