News Release

October 30, 2026 — Ottawa, ON: This Halloween, treats don’t have to haunt your smile. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is encouraging trick-or-treaters of all ages and their families to enjoy the spooky season while being mindful of sugar consumption, making mouth-healthy choices and maintaining good oral health habits.

When plaque bacteria encounter sugars, they produce acids that attack tooth enamel—the protective layer of your teeth. Frequent exposure to these acids increases the risk of tooth decay, particularly with sticky, chewy or slow-dissolving candies that keep sugar in contact with your teeth longer. Plain chocolate, for example, clears from the mouth more quickly than sticky candies, while cheese and other savoury snacks are better alternatives.  

“Halloween is about having fun, and everyone can enjoy treats while still looking after their oral health,” says Dr. Kirk Preston, president of CDA. “The key is moderation and maintaining good oral health habits. Limiting how often we eat sugary snacks, choosing water over sugary drinks, and brushing and flossing regularly can all help prevent tooth decay. These are healthy habits that matter throughout the year.”

Read CDA's advice on Early Childhood Tooth Decay and Halloween for more information on sugary treats and protecting young smiles. Here are some additional tips to help maintain good oral health this Halloween:

• Keep treats to treat time: Avoid grazing on candy throughout the day. Enjoying treats with or shortly after meals helps limit how often teeth are exposed to sugar.
• Make water the drink of choice: Drink water during and after enjoying Halloween treats instead of bathing your teeth in sugary beverages like soda pop and sports drinks.
• Don't forget to brush and floss: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss your teeth every day. Parents and caregivers should help or supervise younger children, following age-appropriate guidance from their dentist.
• Keep up with dental visits: Regular dental care helps prevent and identify oral health problems early. Contact your dentist if you experience tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling or visible changes to your teeth and gums.

Halloween comes once a year, but the benefit of good oral health habits can last a lifetime. Oral health is part of overall our health. A healthy mouth helps us eat, speak and smile in comfort and with confidence, supporting our physical, social and emotional well-being. Simply put, a healthy mouth helps us enjoy life.

Enjoy your Halloween and learn more about maintaining good oral health year-round by following CDA's Five Steps to Good Oral Health.

About the Canadian Dental Association
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is a trusted national voice for dentists and leader working to improve the oral health of all people living in Canada. We promote oral health, support our members, and advance the dental profession. Founded in 1902, CDA has no regulatory role and is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization whose  corporate members are Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations (PTDAs). We represent over 21,000 practising dentists nationwide and are a trusted brand and source of information about oral health and the dental profession on national and international issues. 

Media Contact:
Jeff D’Andrea
Media Relations Specialist
Canadian Dental Association
613-614-4798
media@cda-adc.ca