Halloween is right around the corner, which means spooky decorations and creative costumes. However, it’s also a night of overindulgence in sugary and sweet treats that can come back to haunt your child’s smile. Don’t worry, your child can still enjoy their favorite treats with a little extra cavity prevention during Halloween. Here are 6 tips to keep in mind to support a cavity-free smile.
1. Limit Certain Types of Candy
Believe it or not, not all candy is equal when it comes to the damage it can cause to young smiles. Candy that takes longer to chew or sticks to the teeth is worse than chocolate, which saliva can wash away. It’s best to limit sugary gum, sticky candies, or hard candy to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from sitting on your child’s enamel.
2. The Time of Day Matters
You wouldn’t give your child candy for breakfast, but you shouldn’t let them graze on it all day, either. It’s safer for their smile to have a few pieces at once instead of eating candy every few hours. After your child has finished their sweet treat, ensure they brush and floss their teeth to prevent any cavity-causing bacteria from lingering in their mouth.
3. Skip Sugary Beverages
It’s normal for your child to have a little more sugar than usual throughout the holiday season. Limit their consumption of sugary drinks to counteract the effects of more candy or cookies. Encourage them to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It will also keep their mouth moist and cleanse it in between brushing and flossing.
4. Support Good Oral Hygiene Habits
You ensure your child brushes twice a day, but it’s better to step up their oral hygiene routine during the holidays. Encourage your child to brush their teeth after every meal. Don’t forget to have them floss between each tooth before they head to bed.
5. Offer Sugar-Free Gum
If your little one can’t resist their sweet tooth, offer a piece of sugarless gum. It can help prevent cavities by stimulating saliva production to wash food particles and bacteria from their mouth. It will help neutralize the acids that can cause tooth decay.
6. Don’t Forget a Cleaning and Checkup
Halloween kick-starts the holiday season, which means life is about to get much busier. Schedule your child’s semi-annual cleaning and checkup now to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy. Your dentist will look for any concerns to ensure a toothache doesn’t interrupt a night of trick-or-treating.
You and your child can enjoy Halloween without worrying about scary news during their next dental exam. Practicing a few Halloween tips will keep their smile cavity-free.
About Dr. Jiana Panos
Dr. Panos achieved her dental degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Chicago Dental Society. If it’s time for your child’s next cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to request an appointment.