Halloween is a time for spooky costumes, fun with friends, and of course, giving Halloween treats to trick-or-treaters. But with all the sugary snacks that come with the holiday, it’s important to consider how they impact oral health. Traditional Halloween treats can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and other dental issues, especially when consumed in large quantities.
The good news is you don’t have to completely avoid giving out sweets to protect the oral health of those visiting your doorway. By choosing Halloween treats that are gentler on teeth, you can still enjoy the holiday while promoting a healthy smile.
5 Halloween treats that are gentler on teeth
Here are our recommendations for Halloween treats to pass out that are kinder to teeth:
1. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is a better option for teeth versus sticky, sugary candies. It has less sugar than milk chocolate and contains compounds that are beneficial for your teeth.
A research study from the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute found that “Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be affirmed that dark chocolate exhibits a protective effect on both enamel and dentine.”
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Dentine (also called dentin) is directly underneath the enamel. Both of these layers must be strong to have healthy teeth.
According to the study, “As the concentration of dark chocolate increases, there is a corresponding increase in the hardness of both enamel and dentine. This enhancement is attributed to the presence of theobromine, alongside numerous minerals and antioxidants found in dark chocolate.”
If you’re going to pass out chocolate for your Halloween treats, dark chocolate is a great choice.
Note: Some studies have found that popular dark chocolate bars may contain heavy metals. For more information check out this article from Consumer Reports.
2. Apples
Trick-or-treaters may not be thrilled to receive an apple as one of their Halloween treats, however, they are a great option for those looking to be kind to teeth.
Why do we love apples? The fibrous texture of apples acts like a natural toothbrush, helping to scrub away food particles and plaque from the teeth. This gentle scrubbing action can help keep teeth clean between brushings.
Apples also contain essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and potassium, which contribute to good overall health, including oral health. A study published in Scientific Reports found that “Low potassium intake is positively associated with tooth loss, indicating the beneficial effects of dietary potassium intake on oral health.” Additionally, Vitamin C is particularly important for maintaining healthy gums.
While not one of the traditional Halloween treats, apples are a tooth-friendly snack that can contribute to better oral hygiene and a healthier smile.
Note: If you have braces, be sure to cut your apples into bite-size pieces or consider applesauce as an alternative! Learn more about eating apples with braces.
3. Cheese sticks
Like apples, cheese sticks are probably not going to be a favorite of your visiting ghosts and ghouls, but they do offer oral health benefits that parents will love!
Cheese is rich in calcium and phosphates, which are essential minerals for maintaining strong tooth enamel. They help to remineralize teeth, which is crucial for repairing any early damage caused by acids.
If you’re going to hand out cheese sticks, be sure to keep them in a refrigerated container. They will be OK without refrigeration for two hours at most – plenty of time for trick-or-treaters to get home!
4. Yogurt-covered nuts
Although yogurt-covered nuts may not be the most coveted of Halloween treats, they can be a better option for teeth.
Almonds and peanuts are low in sugar and high in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, which are beneficial for strong bones and teeth. Furthermore, the yogurt coating may contain additional calcium.
Yogurt-covered nuts are better for your teeth than yogurt-covered raisins or other sticky, sugary snacks, but they aren’t entirely without risk. Added sugars and the potential stickiness of the yogurt coating can contribute to tooth decay. If your trick-or-treaters enjoy yogurt-covered nuts, remind them to practice good oral hygiene afterward, such as brushing, flossing, or rinsing with water, to help minimize the impact on their teeth.
Note: It’s important to be aware of nut allergies. Be sure to let people know that nuts will be given at your house and offer an alternative.
5. Small toys or prizes
Delighting trick-or-treaters with small toys or prizes, like bouncy balls or handheld mazes, is a fun way to mix things up and offer a refreshing alternative to the usual candy stash in their baskets. Plus, the fun will continue much longer than a piece of candy!
Handing out tooth-friendly Halloween treats is possible
Caring for the oral health of others doesn't mean missing out on Halloween fun! A few simple swaps can make a big difference in protecting the teeth of trick-or-treaters while still enjoying the spirit of the night.
Looking for more tooth-friendly treats? Check out “Best Farmers Market Finds for Your Teeth”.
