According to Delta Dental’s 2011 Tricky Treats survey, 60 percent of dentist surveyed indicated that they give out candy at Halloween. Of those who hand out candy, 79 percent choose chocolate, while just 13 percent hand out varieties like hard candy or lollipops. There is a good reason for their choice of treats.
Chewy treats and hard candy are particularly damaging because they spend a prolonged amount of time stuck to teeth and are more difficult for teeth to break down. Chocolate, which dissolves quickly in the mouth, can be eaten easily and lessens the amount of time sugar stays in contact with teeth. Time is of the essence when it comes to sugar on your teeth.
If you were wondering about the remaining 40% of dentists who did not give out candy on Halloween, nearly one out of four said they do not hand out anything on Halloween. While 5 percent, attack the holiday head-on, by handing out toothbrushes.
Whether the dentist participated in the Halloween ritual or not, they all agree, it is important to limit the amount of candy your children eat at Halloween.
