The dentist reveals the Halloween treats that will terrorize your teeth

Ready to freak out?

Almost all Halloween treats bring terror to your teeth, dentists claim.

As more than 73 million trick-or-treaters prepare their costumes ahead of the spooky holiday, experts are warning parents about all the confections that put their children’s whites at greater risk.

Beverly Hills board certified dentist, Dr. Kevin Sands, told Fox News that hard, sour, chewy, soft and sticky sweets can be harmful — and even sugar-free options may not be available.

According to Sands, candies like Jolly Ranchers and Life Savers can chip or crack teeth if bitten.

Meanwhile, their “prolonged presence” in children’s mouths “provides bacteria with a long sugar feast” that can result in cavities.

As more than 73 million trick-or-treaters prepare their costumes ahead of the spooky holiday, experts are warning parents about all the confections that put their children’s whites at greater risk.
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Meanwhile, caramels, nougat and toffee are also dessert no-nos.

“Their sticky nature means they often get stuck in the nooks and crannies of teeth, making them difficult to remove even after brushing,” Sands explained of treats like Laffy Taffy. “These sugar residues can promote bacterial growth and tooth decay.”

Lip-scratching candy like Sour Patch Kids and Trolli Crawlers are also popular Halloween treats, but the addicting acid boil can erode tooth enamel.

“Many sour candies have a pH level dangerously close to battery acid,” Sands warned. “Continuous exposure to such acidity can cause enamel to break down, leading to sensitivity and other dental problems.”

If sugar increases bacteria, sugar-free candies may seem like the best solution – but Sands says the citric acid they’re often made with also has a damaging effect on enamel.

“Many sour candies have a pH level dangerously close to battery acid,” Sands warned. “Continuous exposure to such acidity can cause enamel to break down, leading to sensitivity and other dental problems.”
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While grim news is a bit of a murderous joy, not all Halloween treats are off limits.

Chocolate, for one, is a smile-friendly option.

It dissolves quickly and is less likely to get stuck on or between teeth,” Sands said. “Dark chocolate in particular, with its reduced sugar content and rich antioxidants, can be a more tooth-friendly treat. “

Powdered candy — think: Pixie Sticks or Fun Dip — dissolves quickly and doesn’t stick to teeth, similar to Smarties, which are also a safe bet.

Sands also recommended single-serve packets of popcorn, nuts and raisins covered in yogurt as healthier alternatives to the sugar-filled treats often given out on Halloween. Substituting edible goods for items such as toys is also an option.

“Encourage children to consume sweets in moderation and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after consuming any type of candy,” he said.

Even sugar-free candies pose a risk to teeth. Sands says the citric acid they’re often made with also has a damaging effect on enamel.
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But not all parents are ready to limit their child’s consumption of sweets.

Last year, mum-of-five Sarah Jedd previously told The Post she had come under fire online after discovering she was letting her children enjoy their sweet treats.

“This has always been our method. I feel like kids are naturally intuitive eaters, so they’ll figure out what’s good for them,” said the University of Wisconsin professor, adding that her parenting style differs from that of her friends.

Registered dietitian Carol Danaher, of the Ellyn Satter Institute, argued that parents should trust their children’s intuition about how much they should eat.

“If they’re restricted from sweet food or there’s guilt around them, the child will crave them more and they won’t have their natural boundaries,” Danaher previously told The Post.

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