Halloween can become truly frightening if one ends up needing emergency dental care due to indulging in too many sugary treats. Research has shown an 80% increase in emergency dentist visits on Halloween compared to other days in October. This spike is often attributed to people consuming candies that can damage teeth or exacerbate existing dental issues. Particularly harmful candies include extremely hard candies that can chip teeth, sticky caramels or toffees that can pull out fillings, sour candies that can erode enamel, gummies that can lead to tooth decay, and jawbreakers that can chip teeth and cause jaw fatigue.
Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and Lifesavers can chip or crack teeth, leading to the need for immediate dental care if damage occurs. Sticky candies such as caramels or toffees can damage existing dental work like fillings or braces, and it is advised to consume better options such as dark chocolate with antioxidants, milk chocolate, and candy corn. Sour candies have a high acid content that can erode enamel, making the dentin layer beneath more susceptible to decay. Gummies can cling to teeth and feed harmful bacteria in the mouth that lead to tooth decay and cavities. Jawbreakers are a major no-no as they can chip teeth and cause jaw fatigue or potentially lead to choking.
Moderation and awareness are key to safely enjoying Halloween treats. Recommendations from a dentist include implementing a candy budget for children, limiting consumption to specific times of day, eating candy with meals to increase saliva production, and considering a candy buy-back program. It is vital to stay vigilant with brushing and flossing routines to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Teaching children about self-regulation and delayed gratification during Halloween can help them make better choices and avoid overindulging in candies that may lead to negative consequences such as tummy aches or running out of candy.
Dr. Andrew Elliston, a board-certified pediatrician, emphasizes the importance of engaging with children about their choices during Halloween and discussing how they can improve for the future. Rather than shaming children for overindulging, it is helpful to ask them how they feel and how they can regulate their intake of sweets. The long-term goal is for children to have exposure to treats while remaining neutral about them and being able to regulate their intake thoughtfully. By focusing on teaching kids about moderation, self-regulation, and delayed gratification, parents can empower their children to make better choices when it comes to consuming sugary treats during Halloween and beyond.
