Halloween is the spookiest night of the year. Once the trick-or-treating is over, however, parents are subjected to a whole new kind of fright – making sure their kids don’t get cavities from all that candy consumption! Luckily, your pediatric dentist is here to offer some Halloween candy tips to keep your little one’s teeth decay-free this spooky season.
1. Sort Through Their Stash
Your kid will want to make their stockpile of candy last well into the winter, but that can do much more harm than good. Instead, let them pick out their absolute favorite candies from the stash. Consider donating the rest to the less fortunate. Your child’s teeth will thank you, and you can both feel good about helping someone in need.
2. Limit Candy Consumption to Mealtimes
It’s normal for your little one to want to snack on their candy stash at all hours of the day, but don’t let them! Being exposed to sugary candies all day can wreak havoc on your kid’s pearly whites. If your son or daughter insists on munching on sweets, limit it to mealtimes or shortly afterwards. This is because during mealtimes, saliva production increases. When more saliva is created, excess bits of food debris and bacteria are more easily rinsed out of the mouth.
3. Offer Sugar-Free Gum as a Treat
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal increases the creation of saliva in the mouth. This helps clean out the mouth, as well as neutralize the acids that are produced by bacteria. Find a sugar-free gum with the ADA Seal of Approval and pack it in your child’s lunch for the next few weeks, with a suggestion to chew it after eating their candy.
4. Make Sure They’re Brushing and Flossing Well
Your little one should be brushing every morning and night. They should also be cleaning between their teeth with floss at least once a day. Depending on how old your son or daughter is, you may have to supervise them or even do these activities for them. Regular dental hygiene is one of the best ways to counteract any damage done by Halloween candy consumption.
5. Pay Their Pediatric Dentist a Visit
If you take your child to their pediatric dentist before Halloween, they might be able to get dental sealants – plastic-like coatings painted onto your child’s molars to provide a boost of protection against decay. Don’t worry, if you can’t make it before Halloween, you can still book an appointment afterwards to diagnose and treat any potential cavities.
Halloween can be a scary time of year for parents, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow the tips listed above and your kid’s smile should be happy and healthy this spooky season!
About the Author
Dr. Lily is a Board-Certified pediatric dentist whose career in the field spans more than five years and counting. She loves treating young patients, particularly those with special needs. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She currently practices at Shiny Smile Pediatric Dentistry in Garland, TX. To schedule your child’s post-Halloween cleaning, click here or call (469) 925-0861.