Sugary sweets can be a treat, especially this time of year with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner. While a treat now and then is ok, too much of a good thing can lead to oral health problems down the road.

We may enjoy a sweet treat, but bacteria in our mouths love the sugars in the foods we eat and produce acids that may damage tooth enamel. Those acids can compromise the tooth enamel and may lead to a cavity. If left untreated, the bacteria may also cause gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Even though children lose their baby teeth, it’s important to keep these chompers healthy, as they can affect how permanent teeth come in. Baby teeth are important placeholders that create space in the jaw for adult teeth. Be on the lookout for white spots, which may indicate that the enamel is starting to break down.

When it’s time for a special treat, it’s best to avoid hard or chewy candy and snacks, such as lollipops, caramels, gummies and fruit snacks. Though tasty, these sweet treats spend a long time in contact with your teeth, may become stuck and are harder for saliva to break down.

So what should you look for instead? One option is sugar-free gum, which helps saliva production that may help remove old food particles from the mouth. Milk or dark chocolate, minus the caramel and nut fillings, are also good options. They spend less time on your teeth and wash off more easily, making it hard for bacteria to stick around.

During a season of treats and goodies, it’s important to keep up good oral health habits. Keep sweet treats as an occasional indulgence or special reward. Kids and adults should avoid snacking on sweets throughout the day, reserving sweets as a quick treat after a meal. Drink plenty of water to help produce saliva, rinse your mouth of food particles and stay hydrated. Also keep up with regular dentist visits and maintain an oral health routine at home.