Halloween is one of the most popular times of the year for people with a sweet tooth, but it can also be one of the unhealthiest from a dental perspective. The bags of candy that children (and adults) seek out often have many harmful effects. These include excessive sugar content or a sticky texture which means they get stuck in the teeth and become difficult to brush. There are also hard candy options that can cause breaks or chips.
There are, however, some alternatives which you can look at. These are healthier, yet still tasty, and could stop a bad report at the next dental visit!
Pretzels
Pretzels are a popular snack food all over the world and can make a tasty Halloween treat. They are made up of hand-held, baked bread that is shaped in a twisted knot. Unlike candy, pretzels don’t have added sugar and fats. Whole-wheat or unsalted pretzels are best, but you can still consider getting mildly chocolate covered ones, for those that can’t do without.
Generally, pretzels come in a hard and soft variety. Soft pretzels are larger and chewier in texture, which makes them easier on the teeth.
Apple bites
When it comes to eating things which are good for teeth, fruit is near the top of any list your dentist will give you. Eating apples can help keep them clean and fight bad breath. They contain fibers that scrub plaque away from your teeth, while the acidity can help kill off bad bacteria.
Apple bites can still have a Halloween twist – for example, you can cut them into quarters and then cut the middle out to create a mouth. You can then add things like strawberries and sunflower seeds to make up a scary-looking face – all while safe in the knowledge that your teeth won’t be harmed.
Pumpkin Seeds
It wouldn’t be Halloween without pumpkins, and pumpkin seeds are actually a good choice for your teeth. What’s more, the healthiest options are not the ones found in a packet at your supermarket, but the ones carved out from a pumpkin itself! These are lower in salt, and also have a host of benefits for your oral health. The magnesium in them helps create a hard tooth enamel which prevents decay, the iron keeps your tongue healthy, and Vitamin A promotes healing – helpful for both teeth and gums.
Cheese
This is a versatile snack that can be used in multiple ways, from standalone blocks of cheese, to creative appetizers and fillings. The benefits to your teeth include the high levels of phosphate and calcium. These naturally strengthen teeth and bones, as well as balancing the PH level of your mouth. This leads to less harmful acid. However, a word of warning – melted cheese, as nice as it may taste, can get stuck in between teeth. This makes it harder to reach when cleaning.
Peanut butter cups
A peanut butter cup is a molded chocolate candy with a peanut butter filling inside. Dark chocolate is the best option as it contains the least sugar. Many brands also have a fair amount of protein in their peanut butter cups, so there is an additional health benefit as well.
Nuts
Nuts are a natural source of calcium and Vitamin D, which are key to strengthening bones and teeth. There are a variety of types and many of them are good for your teeth. Cashew nuts are especially good at stimulating saliva and cleaning teeth, while walnuts probably have the most nutrients, containing fiber, folic acid and iron.
These are a handful of the alternatives available to you, ensuring you have a fun yet healthy Halloween. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to the occasional sugary snack, but it should be done in moderation, and always followed up with good oral hygiene – regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist. We are here to answer any questions and would enjoy being your dental home.