Halloween is just around the corner, and that means candy galore for trick-or-treaters. While indulging in sweets is part of the fun, it’s essential to consider the dental health of the little ghosts and goblins who visit your door. SouthStrand Dental in Myrtle Beach cares about the oral well-being of our community, so we’ve put together a list of five candies to avoid giving out this Halloween, along with ten healthy and tasty alternatives that kids will love.
Candies to Avoid:
Sticky Gummy Candies
Gummy candies are sticky and adhere to teeth, making them a prime culprit for cavities. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar in gummy candies, leading to acid production that can harm tooth enamel.
Lollipops
Lollipops are essentially pure sugar on a stick. They keep the sugar in prolonged contact with teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Plus, biting on hard candies can potentially lead to dental emergencies.
Chewy Caramels
Chewy caramel candies can get stuck in the teeth, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Sour Candy
Sour candies are acidic and can erode tooth enamel. They often contain a combination of sugars and acids that are a double threat to dental health.
Hard Candy
Hard candies take a long time to dissolve, which means an extended exposure to sugar for teeth. They can also lead to chipped or cracked teeth when bitten.
Healthy Alternatives
Raisin Boxes
Individual boxes of raisins are a sweet, chewy treat that kids enjoy without the added sugar found in many candies.
Mini Pumpkin Oranges
Peel small oranges (clementines or mandarins) and draw spooky pumpkin faces on them. Kids will love the Halloween twist.
Popcorn Balls
Make popcorn balls with honey or peanut butter as a binding agent and add some dried fruit or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Dark Chocolate Squares
Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and has antioxidants. Offer individually wrapped squares in moderation.
Pretzel Packs
Mini pretzel bags are a savory alternative that kids will enjoy crunching on.
Granola Bars
Opt for low-sugar granola bars with whole grains and nuts for a satisfying snack.
This Halloween, let’s prioritize the dental health of our community by choosing tooth-friendly treats. SouthStrand Dental wishes you a happy and healthy Halloween filled with smiles, not cavities!
Healthy Gelatin Gummies Recipe
- 8 oz. of your favorite juice
- 3 scoops or 35 grams of gelatin (recommended brand: Perfect Bovine Gelatin)
- Let the gelatin mix sit and stir for 10 minutes before boiling.
- Turn the heat down and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
- Let the gelatin cool.
- Put it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Enjoy in the morning!
