Is Halloween candy really that bad ... ?

The Halloween season is here.  So, too, then is the ever-present supply of Halloween candy.  What should you do?

Let’s face it, we all remember the thrill of trick-or-treating and collecting more candy than your friends, so the last thing you want to do is make the day miserable for your children by denying them some treats.  However, it is a great opportunity to speak with them about healthy choices not only for their teeth, but for their overall growth. Remind children about moderation and brushing after snacking.  Also, speak with them about the different candy options that are out there.  If they really want a piece of candy, a small piece of chocolate that melts away quickly is much better for their teeth than a sticky, sweet candy that will stick in the grooves of their teeth. 

I remember my sisters, brother and I each having a pillowcase of candy that we lingered over until December.  Each night, we’d have an exchange program as we traded Bit-O-Honeys for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.  Looking back, I realize that it would have been better for our teeth if we just ate all the candy in a few days.  Each time we had a piece of candy it exposed our teeth to sugar and increased our chances of getting a cavity. 

The same goes for the adults – when you see the candy bowls on people’s desks at the office, veer away from the sticky, sweet candies (you know the ones that pulled out your co-worker’s cap last Halloween?) or hard candies that will stay in your mouth for a long time. Instead, treat yourself occasionally with a piece of chocolate and then at least rinse with water if you can’t brush.  Better yet, why not have an apple with peanut butter or a yogurt sprinkled with nuts – they will satisfy your need to snack and provide you with protein instead of a sugar high.

The important thing to realize is that a week of eating really disgusting candy is not the end of the world.  What is bad is a regular supply of sticky, sweet candies, and even things like potato chips, that stay lodged in your teeth and encourage cavity causing bacteria.  If you build good eating and brushing habits, a few days of gorging on Milky Ways is okay.

I would love to hear what you are choosing for healthy snacks instead of candy. Leave me a comment.