Is there anything kids and parents can do to ensure optimal dental care at Halloween?
Halloween is the start of sweet treat season and retail stores are already announcing its arrival with candy aisles and costume corners. A kid’s dream is to score oodles and oodles of candy but colorful jelly beans and chewy caramels can become a nightmare for parents. Here are a few tips to keep your little devils healthy and cavity-free this Halloween.
Avoid these candies
Treats to avoid include caramels, gummies and sours. Sticky candies cling to tooth surfaces and make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away, which can lead to cavities. Sours have high acidity content, which breaks down the tooth structure.
Give a healthier option
Smarter choices include sugar-free gum, chocolate, and snack-size pouches of crackers. These snack items are less sticky and aren’t packed with acidity.
Give non-food alternatives
Bubbles, sidewalk chalk, crayons, themed toothbrushes, floss, travel-sized toothpaste. If you want to help keep teeth creeps away from the little monsters in your neighborhood, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests a few other fun choices.
Limit snacking
Everything in moderation. Candy and treats shouldn’t be an all-you-can-eat feast so don’t send your little darlings out on an empty stomach. Give them a light meal before they head out. Help manage your child’s snack and treat intake by letting them select a piece or two of their stash after meal time.
Drink water
Sip away the sugar. Water helps wash away mouth monsters. Make sure your little superhero drinks plenty of water after eating. Encourage them to swish the water around in the mouth to help loosen up the sticky bits that can get lodged between chompers.
Brush and floss
Encourage your child to floss and brush for at least two minutes before bedtime.
Make brushing fun
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months, so make Halloween night fun by letting them select a toothbrush to go along with their costume.
Show and tell
Pink disclosing tablets are sometimes used to spot bacterial plaque on teeth. The tablets temporarily stain the plaque so you can show your child how well they are brushing or flossing. Point to where they excelled and encourage better brushing in stained areas. Disclosing tablets are available over the counter.
Make sure your child sees a dentist for regular check-ups. If your trick-or-treater experiences any dental discomfort, call your pediatric dentist immediately.
