Bedford, NS, October 23, 2023 – It’s the time of year again when millions of children (and adults) eat a bit too much candy in a very short period of time. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or handing out candy yourself, it’s tough not to sneak a sweet treat or two on Hallowe’en.

Not to scare you, but your dentist knows what you’re up to!

“As dentists, we know Hallowe’en is a time when kids eat a larger-than-usual amount of sugar,” says Dr. Juli Waterbury, President of the Nova Scotia Dental Association (NSDA), “but we also know how fun and exciting the holiday is! That’s why it’s important to find ways for kids to have a great time, while also protecting their teeth and gums.”

This protection starts by being aware of the types of treats we’re eating. After all, sugar is the main contributor to tooth decay, which is the leading cause of cavities — especially in kids and young people. Sticky and chewy candy can be particularly hazardous, Dr. Waterbury cautions.

“Treats like gummy bears, caramels, and taffy get stuck on your teeth, settle into the grooves, and can be tricky to remove,” she says. “It might be best to avoid them.”

Fear not, though: There are other treats to enjoy!

“Believe it or not, chocolate can make for a better choice sometimes instead of sticky, hard, or sour candies,” Dr. Waterbury says. “Even though it is high in sugar, chocolate rinses away from teeth more easily.”

To help ensure happy teeth and gums this Hallowe’en, consider the following tips, courtesy of the NSDA:

• Set limits in advance: Before heading out for trick-or-treating, talk with your child about treats and decide together how many they can have.
• Keep bags small: To help limit the number of sugary candies your child receives, trick-or-treat with a small bag in lieu of the more traditional pillowcase.
• Stick to favourites: Try to focus on the most loved goodies and skip the rest.
• Dinner first: Enjoy a sweet treat after a meal so your child is less likely to overindulge.
• Try sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum helps to increase saliva flow, which helps to wash away acids and bacteria present after eating candy. Gum containing xylitol is especially effective, as this actively blocks the production of decay-causing acid on the teeth.
• Stay hydrated: Likewise, drinking a glass of water after a sugary snack will help wash away some of the sugars and acids that can lead to cavities.
• Make some trades: Encourage your kids to swap leftover Hallowe’en treats for something else they may enjoy, like a book, a toy, or a special trip to the movies.
• Avoid candies that last: Hard candy and lollipops take a long time to dissolve and stay in your child’s mouth for an extended period of time. This leaves plenty of time for teeth to get coated in sugar and for bacteria to start to turn that sugar into acid.

When it comes to protecting teeth and gums and maintaining good oral health, the most important thing to remember is to brush two times a day and floss daily to remove sugar, dental plaque, and help prevent cavities.

“It’s okay to have treats on Hallowe’en — just brush after!” Dr. Waterbury says.

From all of us at the NSDA, have a safe, fun, and healthy Hallowe’en!

About the Nova Scotia Dental Association

The Nova Scotia Dental Association (NSDA) is a member-based organization serving the needs of more than 500 dentist members across the province. As a not-for-profit organization, the NSDA has been the voice for dentistry in Nova Scotia since 1891. Its mission is dentists helping dentists. For more, visit https://nsdental.org.

Media Contact:
Samantha Ashenhurst
Communications Manager
Nova Scotia Dental Association
902-420-0088 ext. 2
communications.nsda@bellaliant.com