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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes 180 pounds of sugar and 24.7 pounds of candy per year, statistics that bring us right to Halloween only a few Snickers bars away. For most children, this means gobs of Gobstoppers that will keep them sugared up till the spring thaw. But for parents, October 31 means a grab bag of health challenges.
Croton based Hudson Pediatric Dental dentist, Meredeth Glenn, Dr. Merrie, says its not just candy that can cause problems. People think that candy is the culprit, but its not just candy, it would also be any refined carbohydrate, so any white crackers, pretzels, white pasta, thats all going to break down into sugar.
Glenn suggests whole wheat carbohydrates instead of cooked white carbohydrates. She also says as long as youre not eating candy every day, you shouldnt have a dramatic increase in tooth decay.
Anything that you swallow quickly, she says about candy choices, especially if youre eating a good quality chocolate, that would be a healthier choice, because the chocolate has antioxidants in it.
The American Dental Association has suggestions for parents so their kids can maintain good oral health despite Halloween and throughout the year.
Halloween candy and other sugary foods should be consumed with meals, because saliva production increases while eating. This helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and helps rinse away food particles.
Hard candy and sweets that stay in the mouth for a long time should be avoided. The length of time food remains in the mouth plays a role in hastening tooth decay. Unless it is sugar-free, hard candy subjects teeth to prolonged acid attack, which increases risk for tooth decay.
Avoid sticky candies that cling to the teeth, including taffy and gummy bears, among others. These confections take longer to get washed away by saliva and increase the risk for tooth decay.
Drink more water fluoridated if possible. Fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay.
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