Some days, you just have to accept that your kids are going to eat junk food. At the same time, you don’t want to just give in to the moment and let your kids do their worst to their teeth. You want to know that you’re doing something — anything — for your kids and their long-term oral health. Essentially, you’re looking for the best of the worst in this situation: healthy Halloween candy. As far as we’re concerned, that’s about as complete a victory you can expect to get on Halloween.
Caramel for the win
Research from the Forsyth Dental Center – a leading US research facility affiliated with Harvard University – found that caramel dissolves in the mouth faster than non-sticky foods like chips or even dried fruit. This means that caramel sits on your teeth for less time. Minimizing the time foods/candy is in contact with your teeth will reduce the damage they can inflict on your teeth. As far as healthy Halloween candy goes, that’s pretty good. By giving out caramel, you can confidently say you’re mitigating the effects of Halloween, and you’d have science to back you up.
Start a healthy Halloween candy trend
Depending on what kind of caramel you choose, you could either become the envy of the street or just another house (JAH).
Caramel-based chocolate bars: First of all, the caramel in there isn’t even real caramel. Second of all, it’s usually only part of a recipe (chocolate, nuts, etc.), which all but negate caramel’s “healthier” profile. — JAH
Caramel corn: The caramel here is just what you want. And despite what you may think, so is the popcorn because it’s fairly easy to floss/brush out of your mouth. Check out the Kernels store across the road at the Yonge Eglinton Centre. — ENVY
Hard caramel candy: This is what you’d find at the bottom of every great aunt’s purse. There’s nothing unique here. And what’s worse, they take forever to eat. Not terribly efficient for crushing a pillow case of Halloween treats. — JAH
Caramel pudding cups: Yes! It’s different. And from an oral care perspective, nothing sticks. Remember to toss a plastic spoon in there too. Fellow parents will thank you. — ENVY
