Kids' Halloween Candy Haul: Not to Worry

Why? Because eating carbohydrates (including candy, pastries, chips and pretzels) shifts the pH of the mouth into the acidic range, which promotes cavities. The acidity subsides only after up to an hour. "The frequency of eating candy, and other refined carbohydrates, and their stickiness, are big factors in creating the risk of caries [cavities]," says Mark Helpin, acting chair of pediatric dentistry at Temple's Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry.

"If I eat a piece of candy now, the pH in my mouth will become acidic, and it will take 30-60 minutes for it to become normal," he says. "If I keep eating candy throughout the day, there is acid in my mouth for a much longer period of time. The longer teeth are in an acid environment, the greater the risk they will become decayed." Parents can help their kids (and themselves) avoid cavities and still live a joyful, sweets-consuming life in several ways, Helpin says.

 They can let children: -- eat candy or sweets (hopefully not many) in small batches, rather than bit by bit throughout the day; -- eat sweets for dessert - as part of a meal - when saliva is flowing robustly to help wash away acidity; -- brush their teeth after eating candy, if possible; and -- rinse their mouths with water three or four times after consuming carbohydrates.