It’s Halloween. You don’t want to be the house that’s known for giving out carrot sticks, but you’d also like to hand out sweet treats that’s aren’t so bad on kids’ teeth. That’s where Chandler Dentist J. Philipp’s suggestions can help:

The Good Candies

• Sugar free lollipops stimulate saliva production, which flushes away bacteria.

• Chocolate melts quickly and it’s best to stick to plain.

• Sugar-free gum helps dislodge food particles and stimulates saliva production, which can prevent tooth decay.

The Bad Candies

• Sticky, chewy treats like gummy bears, caramel and taffy stick to your teeth. Generally, the stickier the candy, they worse it is for your teeth.

• Sour candies have high acid levels that break down tooth enamel.

• Hard candies stay in your mouth longer, coating it with sugar.

•  Jawbreakers can actually chip your teeth

While getting a bag full of candy is a child’s dream, it can be a parent’s nightmare. That’s why Dr. Philipp offers the following advice:

• Set a time to eat candy. Kids need to know that eating sweets isn’t a non-stop activity. Moderation is key and when kids know they have a specific ‘treat time’ they’re less likely to think about candy at other times.

• Brush and floss after eating sweets – and make it fun. Let kids pick out their brushes and pastes – just make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride.

• Talk about oral health. Halloween shouldn’t be about the message that “candy is bad for you” but that “excess” is not good for your teeth. It’s not just candy, but also fruit juices and snacks like pretzels.