It’s easy to notice that Halloween is just around the corner. Tiny ghosts and superheroes will soon be trotting down the sidewalks, looking for all the best trick-or-treat houses. It’s an exciting time of the year for them, and our kids will need some help keeping their teeth healthy along the way.
All of those sweets can really do a number on our teeth. But if you incorporate a few of these tips and tricks into Beggar’s Night this year, your children can enjoy their candy stash and protect their smiles at the same time.
A Few Bad Apples to Avoid
You were once a kid, so you’ll probably remember that not all candy is created equal – remember that one house that always gave out full-sized candy bars? And while some treats are more sought-after than others, a few of them can be particularly hard on our teeth.
Sticky candy tends to cling to the teeth, particularly items like taffy, caramels, and gummy worms. Anything that gets stuck in the teeth has a greater potential of causing cavities, and these culprits can be tricky for kids to scrape off.
Hard candies and suckers have the potential for breaking teeth, or can be a choking concern for very small kids. Thankfully, your best bet is probably chocolate, which is soft and can have less sugar if you choose dark over milk chocolate.
And, if you’re looking for a few healthy alternatives to hand out in your neighborhood, we’ve put together some fun and easy ideas for you here.
Pair Candy with Mealtimes
Keeping candy eating to mealtime or shortly afterward is also a good way to help cut down on sweets’ effects. Our mouths do a better job of rinsing and clearing away food particles when saliva production is increased, which coincides with dinner time. Since saliva production is already ramping up to handle your meal, it’s also an opportune time to sneak a piece of candy or two.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will also help with saliva production, along with following those meals with a good brushing and flossing. And, If the kids get a nighttime treat before bed, make sure to follow up with brushing before they go to sleep.
Get Their Next Dentist Appointment on the Calendar
It can be a busy time of the year, but timing your kids’ regular teeth cleaning appointments around the weeks following Halloween isn’t a bad idea. A thorough inspection and cleansing following their trick-or-treating triumphs will keep their smiles healthy and bright throughout the rest of the holiday season.
Your child’s cleaning appointment is also a good time for our friendly staff to go over proper brushing and flossing techniques with them, apply a fluoride treatment, and take any x-rays if needed. Plus it’s a great time for them to show off their Halloween costumes!
Halloween is plenty of fun and excitement, for kids young and old. And even though that pile of candy can present a few difficulties, we can help them preserve those bright smiles with the right approach.
To schedule your child’s next dentist appointment or to learn more about Dr. Lordo’s office, visit us online or call 614-885-4754.