Halloween is the scariest season – and not just because of the little witches and goblins roaming the sidewalks for trick-or-treating. Some of the candy options available are downright terrifying for teeth. Help your children make good choices about Halloween sweets so their smiles stay healthy, even after the fangs and monster makeup are removed.

Chocoholics, rejoice!

When it comes to Halloween candy, chocolate is one of the best options to give to trick-or-treaters (and to maybe nibble on yourself). Chocolate melts fast and washes off of teeth easily, making it harder for bacteria to cling to enamel and create cavities.

Don’t chew on this.

Avoid handing out chewy candies like caramel and taffy, which take time to eat and stick to teeth longer, giving bacteria a chance to hang around. If you or your kids do consume a piece of caramel or two, brush afterward to combat cavities.

Be rational.

Don’t let your kids eat all of their candy at once. A piece or two after a meal is ideal. Eating sweets with other foods increases saliva production and helps wash away sugar and bacteria left by candy.

Buyer beware.

Some dentists offer a candy buy-back program, offering up to a dollar per pound of sweets. If you can’t find one in your area, consider coming up with your own buy-back program … but avoid snacking on too much of it yourself!

Following these tips and tricks will help ensure that your little monsters have a fun Halloween – not one that’s full of oral health horror stories.