WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — For kids this may be one of the most wonderful times of the year! That's because Halloween is all about the candy!
However, you might think that the Halloween season is a nightmare for dentists.
How do you keep your kids from getting cavities from all that candy?
"With Halloween candy the best thing you can do limit the duration and frequency of it," Dr. Brooke Kolber of Buffalo Dental Group in Williamsville. "If you're going to have the kids having candy have it at meal times, that way you are not exposing your teeth to sugar throughout the day."
Dr. Kolber also says make sure you are brushing your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste after every meal.
"The most important thing is about moderation and balance picking what candies are better for your teeth," said Dr. Kolber.
For example, Dr. Debi Merrifield, a dental hygienist says, "M&Ms are actually pretty good these rise off teeth pretty quickly and easy to brush off too so these are a good choice."
What about some gummy bears?
Dr. Merrifield says, "these are a lot of fun and kids love them, but they are a bit harder to brush off teeth just have to really make sure you are brushing afterwards."
How about hard candy?
"These are the tough guys, because they sit in the biting surfaces of your tooth," said Dr. Merrifield. "The longer they sit there, the more sugar it produces, will really cause cavities."
What can be a good alternative?
"Chewing sugar free gum if you chew it for 20 minutes that helps balance out the acids and helps prevent cavities," said Dr. Merrifield.
What do you think is the best candy to eat for your teeth?
Turns out it's dark chocolate! The reason behind it is it doesn't have as much sugar as many other candy!
