Trick or treat?Only safe treats for teeth.
Pumpkins, costumes and buckets full of sweets: the yummiest party of the year can stay a happy memory for little teeth too. Here's Dr. Giorgia's practical guide for parents (and little monsters).
The candy ranking
Not all sweets are equal: what matters is how long they stick to teeth and how long they keep sugar in the mouth.
- Gummies, caramels and toffee — they glue themselves into molar grooves and stay for hours.
- Lollipops and hard candies — they keep sugar in the mouth for a long time, lick after lick.
- Sour sweets — they add an acid attack on enamel to the sugar attack.
- Fizzy drinks and juices — sugar + acidity, sipped over time: the worst mix.
- Chocolate, preferably dark — it melts quickly and saliva washes it away.
- Plain biscuits — not very sticky, cleared with water and a toothbrush.
- Sugar-free sweets and gum — with xylitol they even help reduce cavity bacteria.
- Nuts and cheese — the 'trick' snack that is good for enamel.
The pumpkin pact in 5 moves
A simple plan to make together with the kids: no bans, just clear and fun rules.
Snack before the round
A full tummy raids less: fruit, bread and cheese before going out.
Empty the bucket
Back home, choose together what to keep; trade the rest with the 'candy fairy'.
One candy moment
Treats are eaten on a single occasion, after lunch, for a week. Then the party is over.
Water or cheese after
A glass of water or a piece of cheese brings pH back to normal.
Spooky toothbrush
Two minutes hunting sugar monsters, but 30 minutes after acidic foods.
The Halloween checklist
Print it or save it on your phone: one tick for each good habit, from October 31st onwards.
- Healthy snack before going out
- Bucket emptied and sorted together
- Only one 'candy moment' a day, after lunch
- Water (not juice) during and after the round
- Fluoride toothpaste, 2 minutes, evening included
- Floss to flush out the gummies
- No sweets in bed or after brushing
- Dental check-up after the celebrations
After Halloween, a fear-free check-up
We'll make sure no trick is left in the molar grooves. Dr. Giorgia is waiting for you.