Halloween is a great way to kickstart the holiday season that’s about to begin. Scary costumes, tasty candy; what’s there not to love for a kid? While free candy and dressing up is always fun for kids, being told that they have a cavity is the last thing you or your child wants to hear. Instead of settling for tooth decay, here’s what you should do this October to protect your child’s teeth, as recommended by a dentist.
Keep Moderation in Mind
Since far more candy is about to enter your household, you need to make sure that they aren’t constantly exposed to sugar already. This means keeping sugary drinks like soda out of the house for the foreseeable future. It also means not keeping bowls of candy or sweets easily available for your child to eat on top of the candy they already got trick-or-treating. Consistent exposure to candy only creates an environment for bacteria to grow, develop, and release cavity-causing plaque acids.
Screen Their Candy for the Worst Offenders
While all candy is bad for teeth, there are certain kinds of candy that your child should avoid at all costs if you want to reduce their risk for cavities and tooth decay. This includes sour gummies, which not only stay on teeth for long periods of time, but also contain acidic compounds that break down enamel. Traditional gummies should also be avoided as they can be very difficult to remove via oral care. If you find any hard candies, whether they be lollipops or stand-alone candies, keep these out of their bag as well. They are meant to stay in the mouth for long periods of time and can even crack teeth if bitten into.
Consider Donating or Trading Their Candy
Many dental practices will accept donations for candy you’ve deemed to be too harmful for your child. Of course, it’s also worth considering a trade for their candy, which could include foods that are much better for their oral health. This includes cheese sticks, which work to scrub teeth, provide essential calcium for enamel, and even neutralize bacteria. You can also give them small toys, stickers, temporary tattoos, or other items that you know they will enjoy.
Help Them Maintain a Positive Oral Care Routine
While it’s important to do year-round, it’s especially important during the holiday season to keep these tips in mind:
- Brush for at least two minutes at a time using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
- Floss daily, ideally right before bed or 30 minutes after a meal
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth
- Visit a dentist once every six months for an exam and cleaning
- Consider dental sealants to provide them additional protection
This Halloween, your child doesn’t have to settle for tooth decay and cavities. With these steps in mind, including a visit to a children’s dentist, they’ll be smiling well into 2020!
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich earned her dental degree from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School. She has been practicing for well over a decade now and is more than happy to help your child practice preventive care at home as well as complete treatments designed to keep their oral health in order. To learn more or schedule an appointment with her office, you can contact her through her website.