October 29, 2007 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – They’ve picked out their costumes. They’ve plotted their routes. For hours on Wednesday, trick-or-treaters will be on a mission to collect as much sugary, cavity-causing candy as possible. “Eat all you want!” says John Ruby, D.M.D., pediatric dentist and associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry.

“Eating candy and sweets is more of a problem when you do it continuously every day of the year,” Ruby said. “Indulging on special occasions – Halloween, Easter, Christmas and birthdays -- is not going to ruin your teeth. Have fun, and eat what you like.”

Dental decay is a chronic disease, Ruby explained. It happens over a long period of time and is the result of constant exposure to sugary treats. Candy causes cavities or tooth decay if they’re consumed frequently every day.

For optimal dental health, Ruby recommends healthy, non-carciogenic snacks – such as celery and peanut butter, or cheese and crackers -- on regular days. Most fruits, vegetables and dairy products do not cause cavities and have other nutritional benefits.

“If everyone just ate candy three or four days each year on special occasions, we wouldn’t have a problem with cavities,” he said.