Which Halloween candy do dentists recommend?

October 30, 1:31 PMSF Family ExaminerTeri Stoddard

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One thing that hasn't been affected by the economy is Halloween spending.  According to industry research firm IBISWorld, sales are expected to reach a record-breaking $6 billion in 2009, with candy being the fastest-growing category. The average person is estimated to spend over $20 this year, bringing sales of 600 million pounds of Halloween candy to nearly $2 billion.

About 90 million pounds of candy sold the week before Halloween is chocolate.  This is a good thing according to dentists.  "Research has shown that chocolate is better than other sugary foods because of anti-bacterial properties in the cocoa bean, which cancel out some of the harmful effects of sugar,” reports Douglas Young, DDS, MBA and professor of dental practice at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. 

And the worst candy, from a dentist's point of view?  “Hard and sticky candies are bad for teeth because the exposure time for these candies is highest. Candies that dissolve slowly or stick to teeth – such as lollipops or caramels – stay in the mouth for longer amounts of time, allowing for more sugar to inundate the mouth,” Young explains.

But not every child prefers chocolate.  What is a parent to do if their child waits all year for the chance to eat Sugar Babies, caramels and to suck on lollipops?  Young says timing can help, “Parents should not only regulate how much candy their children eat, but when they eat it. The best time to eat candy is after a meal because the mouth’s saliva is already working and there will be less harmful acid generated in the mouth.”

Are there any candies that are actually good for teeth?  Yes, but you won't find them in normal Halloween displays.  “The only kind of candy that is truly good for teeth are candies containing xylitol, which is a naturally-based sugar that actually helps prevent cavities," Young said, "Xylitol candy and gum is available at most health food stores or through your dentist.”

The Sunday before and Halloween Day are the two top candy selling days, according to IBISWorld.  So if you're one of those parents who haven't yet purchased trick-or-treat sweets, consider a trip to your local health food store.  If that doesn't interest you, at least buy the costumed tots some chocolate.

SAVINGS TIP!  University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry Clinic offers comprehensive dental services for children, and tends to be about 30 percent less expensive than the average private pediatric dentistry office in the Bay Area.

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