5 Halloween Treats That Are Gentler on Teeth

Posted on September 24, 2025 in Kid's Health

Halloween is a time for spooky costumes, fun with friends, and, of course, trick-or-treaters. No matter how you celebrate the holiday, including traditional Halloween treats can impact your oral health. Candies and other sugary sweets can lead to dental issues like cavities or tooth decay, especially when consumed in large quantities.

The good news is you don’t have to completely avoid giving out sweets to protect the oral health of visitors. By choosing treats that are gentler on teeth, you can still enjoy the holiday while promoting a healthy smile.

5 Halloween treats that are gentler on teeth

Here are our top picks for Halloween treats that are a little sweeter on teeth:

1. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is a better option for teeth than sticky, sugary candies. It has less sugar than milk chocolate and contains compounds that are beneficial for your teeth.

A research study found that dark chocolate contains minerals and antioxidants that can strengthen the enamel and dentine in teeth.

Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Dentine (also called dentin) is directly underneath the enamel. Both of these layers must be strong to have healthy teeth.

If you’re going to pass out chocolate for your Halloween treats, dark chocolate is a good choice.

2. Apples

Apples are another great option for trick-or-treaters looking to be kind to their teeth this Halloween. 

Why do we love apples? The fibrous texture of apples acts like a natural toothbrush, helping to scrub away food particles and plaque from the teeth. This gentle scrubbing action can help keep teeth clean between brushings.

Apples also contain essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and potassium, which contribute to good overall health.

While not one of the traditional Halloween treats, apples are a tooth-friendly snack that can contribute to better oral hygiene and a healthier smile.

Note: If you have braces, be sure to cut your apples into bite-sized pieces or consider applesauce as an alternative! Learn more about eating apples with braces.

3. Cheese sticks

Like apples, cheese sticks , also offer oral health benefits your visiting ghosts and ghouls will love!

Cheese is rich in calcium and phosphates, which are essential minerals for maintaining strong tooth enamel. They help to remineralize teeth, which is crucial for repairing any early damage caused by acids. 

If you’re going to hand out cheese sticks, be sure to keep them in a refrigerated container. They can be without refrigeration for two hours at most. This is plenty of time for trick-or-treaters to get home!

4. Mini bottles of water

Trick-or-treating can be hard work, and visitors might be ready for a refreshing drink by the time they swing by your porch. Unlike juice boxes or soda, plain water contains no sugar or acids that eat away at teeth. In fact, water keeps saliva flowing in the mouth, which naturally protects teeth from cavity-causing bacteria.

With a water in-hand, kids will be able to wash the sticky candy bits off their teeth to help support cleaner and healthier smiles throughout the night.

5. Small toys or prizes 

Delighting trick-or-treaters with small toys or prizes, like bouncy balls or handheld mazes, is a fun way to mix things up and offer a refreshing alternative to the usual candy stash in their buckets. Plus, with toys, the fun can continue for much longer than it takes to eat a piece of candy!

Handing out tooth-friendly Halloween treats is possible

Caring for the oral health of others doesn't mean missing out on Halloween fun! A few simple swaps can make a big difference in protecting the teeth of trick-or-treaters while still maintaining the spirit of the night.

Looking for more tooth-friendly treats? Check out “What to Eat on Halloween | Trick-or-Treating Tips for Parents”.