With sugar season beginning, here's the cavity rating for popular candies
The North Carolina Dental Society offers up this candy survival guide, which you might want to follow if you plan on popping a piece or two in their lunch box. It might just keep your kids cavity-free during the season of sugar -- which seems to run from Halloween to Easter.
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Your kids may be consuming a boatload of candy at the moment, thanks (or no thanks) to their Halloween take. But not all candy is created equal.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most popular Halloween candies. Did you know it’s probably one of the safest, too? Chocolate dissolves quickly, and washes off your teeth easier than other candies. Dark chocolate is your best bet, as it contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
Gummies
Sticky candies can be a nightmare. These candies tend to cling to teeth, giving ample time for cavities to form. It’s important to have your children brush and floss thoroughly, as gummies often get stuck on the tooth’s surface and in crevices between teeth.
Hard candy/Lollipops
Hard candy is hard on teeth and can result in chipped or cracked teeth. It’s best to steer clear of any hard candy during Halloween.
Sour candy
Sour candy typically contains citric acids that produce the sour flavor. These acids can attack the tooth’s enamel, so enjoy these in moderation.
Sugar-free chewing gum
Sugarless chewing gum is a good option for a Halloween treat. Chewing sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva and neutralizes cavity-causing bacteria, which aids in preventing tooth decay.
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