Halloween may look different this year, but candy is still spooky for teeth

With only about half of Illinois families planning to take their kids trick-or-treating, the holiday may look and feel a lot different this year.

Illinois public health officials say the safest way to celebrate Halloween during a pandemic is at home. They offer recommendations online for those planning to trick-or-treat or attend other celebrations. Regardless of whether your little ghosts and goblins go house-to-house, there will still be plenty of candy available for kids and adults craving sweet treats this season.

"Whether your kids are trick-or-treating this year or just enjoying some sweets at home, help protect their oral health," said Dr. Sheila Strock, vice president, dental services and science officer at Delta Dental of Illinois. "A piece of candy can make just about anyone smile, especially kids! But try not to overindulge, choose wisely - candy that melts easily is the best choice - and take special care by brushing and flossing afterward."

About 3 of 4 parents (74%) nationwide say celebrating Halloween this year will be even more important than usual, as they look to find safe ways to have fun and maintain normalcy for their children.

Even socially distanced ideas for celebrating the holiday - from carving pumpkins to having a scavenger hunt, scary movie marathon or virtual costume party - will likely involve fun-sized candies that are synonymous with Halloween.

Take steps toward a tooth-friendly holiday

Cavities are a significant public health problem in Illinois, affecting more than 2 of 5 children. Although OK in moderation, candy can increase the likelihood of tooth decay. That's because bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar from candy, creating acids that can destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities.

Here are some steps you and your family can take to lessen the chance of getting cavities while enjoying the holiday:

• Celebrate in ways that don't focus on sweets, such as doing crafts or carving pumpkins. Or dress up in costume, take pictures and have a virtual party with family and friends.

• Consider alternatives to candy, such as stickers, Play-Doh, glow sticks, temporary tattoos, bouncy balls or bookmarks - whether you're handing them out to trick-or-treaters or celebrating at home.

• Avoid hard and sticky candies, including lollipops and caramel, because these sweets expose your teeth to sugar for a longer time. Instead, choose plain dark or milk chocolate that melts quickly and washes away from teeth easily.

• Drink more water. Studies show that drinking water more than three times a day can decrease the likelihood of cavities. And hydrating after eating sweets can help wash away sugar left behind.

• Enjoy sweets with a healthy meal, which helps to neutralize sugar in the mouth and lessen their effect on teeth.

• Brush twice and floss once a day. This is important for your oral health every day, but even more so after enjoying sweets.

For more tips on protecting your oral health, visit deltadentalil.com/oral-health.

About Delta Dental of Illinois

Delta Dental is the national dental benefits leader covering 1 in 3 Americans who have dental coverage. Delta Dental of Illinois is one of 39 member companies that make up the national Delta Dental system. Based in Naperville, Illinois, Delta Dental of Illinois provides dental benefit programs to more than 6,000 Illinois companies and covers 2 million individuals, employees and family members nationwide. Delta Dental of Illinois is committed to improving oral health in our community and furthers this commitment through the work of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation.