It’s so hard to Reese-ist!
The average American eats 3.4 pounds of candy around Halloween every year, with kids consuming 7,000 calories and 3 cups of sugar on the holiday, research shows.
Now, a California dentist with decades of experience is sharing his seven rules for protecting his children’s teeth, on Halloween and beyond.
Dr. Mark Burhenne’s first rule is simple: “If you eat candy, rinse with water to dislodge the sticky parts.”
Drinking water after eating sweets can help rinse your teeth of sugar and residue. However, brushing your teeth immediately after eating candy or other sugary foods can harm your enamel.
When it comes to your teeth, not all Halloween candy is created equal.
Hard candy like Jolly Ranchers and Life Savers can chip or crack teeth if bitten down on. Chocolate, particularly anti-oxidant-rich dark chocolate, is a more mouth-friendly indulgence as it dissolves quickly and is less likely to get stuck on or between teeth.
Burhenne said that peanut butter is banished in his household — his kiddos are only allowed to consume almond butter.
The reason for the spreadable substitute? Almond butter is less sticky and contains seven times more calcium than peanut butter, meaning it strengthens teeth and is less likely to contribute to plaque buildup.
Another piece of parental dental advice courtesy of Burhenne is to have your children wear their Invisalign — clear plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth — while playing sports.
“Wear your Invisalign while playing soccer, mountain biking and any other sports to protect your teeth from breaking,” he advised.
He also recommends chewing xylitol gum between meals, “especially after a meal with processed refined carbohydrates.”
Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol used by gum brands such as Orbit and Trident, has been shown to reduce the growth of bacteria strongly linked to gum disease and decrease inflammation in gum tissues.
The sugar substitute is not without downsides — researchers have found high levels of xylitol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, cause digestive problems like gas and diarrhea and be deadly for dogs.
Burhenne also stressed that he never lets his children use their teeth as tools, “No ripping open packages or opening soda bottles with teeth EVER.”
Using your teeth as tools can damage enamel, making the teeth more prone to cavities. This behavior can also cut the gums, while pressure can lead to chipping, cracking, and, in some cases, tooth loss.
And for sleepy kids who struggle to floss and brush before bed, Burhenne suggested keeping a toothbrush and flossing stick on the nightstand to ensure the healthy habit is in easy reach.
Finally, and in honor of the spirit of costumed, candy-induced decadence, Burhenne recommended letting freedom reign on All Hallows’ Eve…within reason.
“Eat whatever candy you want on Halloween night, but the rest goes on the porch for the Great Pumpkin to take and replace with a toy,” he said.
Other experts echo Burhenne’s all-in approach to Halloween candy.
Abbey Sharp, a registered dietitian based in Toronto, advises giving children “unlimited access” to Halloween candy, insisting it’s actually a great way to form good habits.
Sharp explained on TikTok that she’s more focused on having her kids build healthy relationships with food than restricting them on a holiday that celebrates sweets.
“If you or your kids are typically restricting sugar, they probably will overeat. And that is totally fine. That’s a teachable moment for them to feel that sensation in their body,” she told her 990,000 TikTok followers in 2023.
