Halloween means costumes, fun, games and candy. And that candy treasure trove also makes it an ideal time to teach kids (and remind adults who sneak into their kids’ Halloween stash) about healthy dental habits during Halloween. But don’t worry — there are ways to safeguard your child’s dental health while still letting them enjoy Halloween goodies.¹

The Good: Tips on Picking Treats for Good Oral Hygiene²

Sweet treats that are loaded with sugar can create dental plaque and wear down protective tooth enamel. That’s why some are best avoided. Other treats can be enjoyed in moderation while keeping your children’s smiles healthy. Below are some examples of the good, the bad, and the tastiest candy for your teeth.

The Bad: Treats to Minimize for Dental Health³

Sticky candies — the stickier the treat (think taffy, caramels, gummies), the longer it sticks around in your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay
Hard candy like jawbreakers, which can chip or break your teeth; plus, they tend to be in your mouth longer, which means the sugar spends more time there, too
Sour candies, which contain a high amount of acid that can harm tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities

The Tasty: Tooth-friendly Sweets to Enjoy in Moderation^2,4

Salty, low-sugar snacks, like nuts, trail mix and granola bars
Sugar-free gum — chewing for 20 minutes after eating can increase saliva and help wash away food particles
Chocolate, which washes off your teeth fairly easily; dark chocolate usually contains less sugar than milk chocolate

Halloween Dental Care Tips and Tricks for Kids⁵

These tricks can help your family enjoy Halloween treats — and help maintain good oral health all year long.

Work with your kids to select a certain amount of candy to save and eat, then donate what’s left
Focus on moderation versus deprivation by setting a limit on how much candy kids can eat at a time
Schedule a time each day when your kids can indulge in Halloween treats — ideally at or right after mealtime, since eating meals increases saliva production, helping rinse away sticky, sugary candy particles
Drink water with treats, too, since this also helps wash away food and bacteria
Make sure your kids follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing after eating treats

Don’t let sticky, sugary treats play tricks on you or your family’s dental health this Halloween. Follow the healthy teeth tips above, encourage a dental-friendly diet — and take your kids to the dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings to help keep their teeth and gums in tip-top shape. The CareCredit credit card offers a convenient way to pay for dental care and products not covered by insurance, including checkups and X-rays, at locations in the CareCredit network.* Use the Acceptance Locator or CareCredit Mobile App to find a provider near you that accepts the CareCredit credit card.