Let Your Kids Enjoy Their Halloween Candy

Every year at this time you see a number of dentists who promote that they are accepting candy from kids in exchange for a gift or toy of some sort.

Candy, which has sugar as one of its main ingredients, is supposed to cause cavities. Technically, this is not accurate -- and here's why. Lactic acid is produced when chewing food. This acid decreases the pH of the mouth, creating an acidic environment, which can leave the teeth vulnerable to cavities. However, studies have shown that as long as children and adults practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day, eating candy isn't a problem.

What is a problem is nursing a sugary soft drink or sucking on hard candy all day. Coating the teeth in sugar for extended periods of time will cause cavities.

So enjoy your candy. Personally, I prefer candy corn!