WASHINGTON – Most Americans will have a few sweets right along with the kids this Halloween, but eating some treats could make for a spooky visit to the dentist.
Delta Dental says there are better choices to make when diving into the candy pail.
Sugar-free or powdery candies are the best bet, according to a Delta Dental news release. Also, chocolate bar fans can rejoice: Chocolate dissolves quickly and doesn’t stick to teeth, according to Delta Dental.
The worst picks on Halloween night: hard and chewy candy, which are more likely to cause a cavity or get stuck in those expensive braces.
If you’re excited to raid the candy loot, the company’s chief dental officer Michel Couret reminds ghouls and goblins that no candy is good for teeth.
“When sugar remains on teeth for extended periods, bacteria feeds on it and produces cavity-causing acid,” Couret said in a news release.
Couret adds that the best way to protect teeth is to have candy in small portions at limited times, such as after a meal.
“It is best to avoid letting children snack on candy throughout the day, and it is important that kids brush their teeth or at least rinse with water after eating sweets,” Couret recommended in the release.
Follow @WTOP and @WTOPliving on Twitter.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that ABC 7 spoke with Michel Couret.
