The holiday that scares dentists most is fast approaching: Halloween is right around the corner! Halloween candy is notorious for wreaking havoc on our patients’ oral health, so Dr. Bethea and our team encourage you and your kiddos to enjoy a few treats in moderation. But we understand you don’t want to be one of the only dark houses on the block, so in this post we suggest four “fang-tastic” Halloween treats that you won’t feel guilty handing out to trick-or-treaters.
- The Magic “X” Factor
- Mini Snack Bars
- Think Outside the Candy Box
- Dark Chocolate to the Rescue
Look for sugar-free candy, gum, and mints that contain a magical ingredient: xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener that not only satisfies a sweet tooth, but also helps prevent tooth decay by creating a neutral pH in your mouth!
There are plenty of yummy snack bars that come in mini sizes, like KIND® and LÄRABAR®, which contain more wholesome, natural ingredients than store-bought candy.
Never forget that treats don’t need to be edible to be exciting! Your family can pass out a variety of trinkets, such as temporary tattoos, glow sticks, scary stickers, or bouncy balls. To some trick or treaters, a fun toy might be a welcome change to the monotony of candy bar after candy bar.
If the thought of not giving out candy on Halloween is too scary to bear, dark chocolate is your dark knight in shining armor! Hand out dark chocolate that’s at least 60 percent cocoa, as antioxidants in cocoa beans help prevent the bacteria in your mouth from producing acids that cause tooth decay.
Visit Bethea Family Dentistry for “Spook-tacular” Dental Care
Our Bethea Family Dentistry team wishes you, your family, and your teeth a happy and safe Halloween! Have you and your family come up with any other alternatives to sugary treats on Halloween? We’d love to hear from you. And if you have any dental-related questions for our friendly team or want to “BOO-k” your next checkup, contact us today.
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