For most children, Halloween is a dream come true. The chance to dress up as their favorite character and get free candy in the process is a hard holiday to beat. Of course, to a local dentist in Carrollton, it could truly spell terror for your child’s teeth. That’s why it’s important to keep a few tips in mind after a long night of trick-or-treating.
To protect your child’s teeth, even during a sugar-filled holiday like Halloween, consider the following.
Limit Consumption When Reasonable
When your child returns with candy, check to see if the candy they received is fun-sized vs. full bars. While it can be exciting to receive more candy, it can be devastating to their oral health (and cause a tummy ache early in the night!) Smaller portions have the same flavor as full-sized bars but without the added risk of tooth decay.
After they’ve finished trick-or-treating and they’re examining their candy haul, make sure they don’t go eating all of it in one sitting. Explain to them that they can extend the life of their candy over several days if they save it for after lunch or dinner. This will not only help them protect their teeth from constant sugar-exposure, but teach them the value of saving.
The Worst Candies to Avoid
While all Halloween candy is bad for teeth, some candies are worse than others. Take for example, candy that is sticky, chewy or sour. Even with regular brushing and flossing, gummy bears, caramel, taffy, lollipops and hard candies can be extremely difficult to remove from teeth. As a result, they can remain on teeth for long periods of time, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Sour candies are very acidic, meaning they are incredibly harmful to tooth enamel. If you find these types of candies in your child’s candy bag, you’ll want to limit them to protect their teeth.
Important Habits to Keep Throughout the Night
Fortunately, there are many ways to combat tooth decay other than limiting their actual candy consumption. For example, making sure they drink water throughout the night will help keep their mouth’s pH balance high, therefore less acidic. Make sure to have water bottles ready to keep them hydrated throughout the night. They can also chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow and wash away acids and bacteria. Gums containing xylitol are great options in this case.
Finally, make sure they brush their teeth soon after they finish trick-or-treating and eating candy. Sugar will remain on their teeth overnight and begin breaking down enamel if not promptly removed before bed.
While Halloween is one of the more festive holidays of the fall season, it’s also an opportunity to teach your child the importance of oral care and preventing cavities. Schedule an appointment today to make sure your child is fully protected from dental disease!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy is fully prepared to help children who experience a dental emergency caused by a hard or chewy candy. Whether a tooth cracks, begins to ache, or a restoration comes off, she’s ready to resolve the issue in no time. Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your child’s holiday; contact her through her website to learn more!