It’s safe to say that ghosts, goblins and witches are just some of the spooky things you’ll see this Halloween, but don’t forget that cavities can be scary too! Although your child is probably focused on the costume they’ll choose this year, you might be more worried about all the candy they’ll be eating. But rest assured that no matter how many bags of candy they collect, they can still enjoy their “haul” without needing major dental work from a pediatric dentist. Keep reading for 6 tips you can use to make sure their smiles stay healthy this Halloween!
1. Choose the Right Kind of Candy
Candy that stays in the mouth for a long period of time is significantly more harmful than other kinds, so try to minimize or avoid the following:
- Hard candies that take a while to dissolve
- Anything sticky like taffy, gummies or caramel
- Sugary gum
2. Discourage Snacking
It’s best if children eat a piece or two of candy after a meal instead of snacking on it throughout the day. When it comes to getting cavities, it’s not only the amount of sugar exposure, but also the frequency that counts.
In fact, it’s helpful to remember the following saying: “Sip all day, get decay.” Whether sipping or chewing, encourage your kids to consume anything sweet in one sitting, rather than spreading it out over the day.
3. More Water, Less Juice and Soda
Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to reduce the risk of cavities. It not only helps your child stay hydrated, but it also washes away plaque and residual sugars that contribute to tooth decay.
Also, when there’s a lot of Halloween candy around, it’s a good idea to completely avoid sugary beverages like soda or juice.
4. Pay Extra Attention To Brushing and Flossing
It’s always important for children to brush and floss regularly, but it’s especially important during Halloween (or any holiday) when they’re eating extra candy, desserts and other sweet treats.
5. Encourage Them To Chew Sugar-Free Gum
For children who are old enough (at least 5), chewing sugar-free gum is a convenient, easy way to prevent tooth decay. It stimulates salivary flow, which not only washes away food debris and plaque, but also neutralizes acids in the mouth that cause cavities.
6. Schedule a Checkup
Regular checkups with a pediatric dentist are crucial for your child’s oral health. And since pediatric dentists have extra training, they not only take great care of little smiles, but also make it fun.
Because Halloween is the start of the entire holiday season, it’s the perfect time to schedule a checkup. That way, you can make sure your child doesn’t have cavities, get their teeth professionally polished, and also have a fluoride treatment to strengthen their enamel and prevent cavities.
Getting dressed up, eating Halloween candy, and trick-or-treating are all a fun part of childhood. With these tips for keeping your child’s smile healthy, you can make sure it stays that way!
About the Author
As a pediatric dentist and mother, Dr. Lily is a firm believer in the power of prevention. She knows how much kids enjoy Halloween, so she always educates parents on how to help their children have fun and maintain good oral health at the same time. If you have any other questions, she can be reached via her website or at (469) 925-0861.