Have you ever wondered what dentists give out on Halloween? Delta Dental knows and wants to give parents a few tips to help their little monsters avoid the oral health hazards of this popular holiday.
According to Delta Dentals 2011 Tricky Treats survey of more than 250 dentists, nearly one out of four dentists said they do not hand out anything on Halloween, while 5 percent attack the holiday head on by handing out toothbrushes.1 Still, 60 percent indicate that they give out candy. But, significantly, of those who hand out candy, 79 percent choose chocolate, while just 13 percent hand out varieties like hard candy or lollipops. And theres a good reason for this confectionery choice.
Time is of the essence when it comes to teeth and sugar, so not all candy is equally scary. Sugary treats such as candy and fruit snacks mix with bacteria in the sticky plaque that constantly forms on teeth to generate acid, which can wear away tooth enamel and cause decay. Sweets like chocolate that quickly dissolve in the mouth and can be eaten easily lessen the amount of time sugar stays in contact with teeth. Chewy treats and hard candy are particularly damaging because they spend a prolonged amount of time stuck to teeth and are more difficult for teeth to break down.
Dr. Michelle Couty, DDS, advises parents to, Be careful with hard candy especially if your child has a bond or a history of easily broken teeth. 1
Delta Dental offers these other tricks for dealing with Halloween treats:
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