Every Halloween, kids come home from trick-or-treating with tons of candy. Soaking teeth to enamel-corroding acid in sugar can lead to tooth decay. Together with your family dentist's advice on teeth care, here are some practical tips to help you and your children enjoy Halloween without the nightmare of aching teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay:
- Remind children to observe moderation with candies on Halloween. Anything that is excessive, including candy on Halloween, is harmful.
- Where possible, avoid candies that are extra sticky for saliva to wash away the sugar, This includes caramels, candy corn, jelly beans, and taffy.
- Make sure your kids brush their teeth at least twice a day.
- Have your kids use an age-appropriate fluoridated mouthwash every evening.
- Always have disposable dental floss conveniently placed all over the house.
- Sugar-free gum helps prevent cavities and helps neutralize the effects of sugar from the candy. It fights the bacteria in plaque that causes cavities.
Spend Halloween with your family without having to worry about things like tooth decay. By observing moderation and practicing good oral hygiene, your kids can have fun on Halloween and still enjoy the candy.
Ask your trusted Shoreline family dentist about how your kids’ dental health, not just on Halloween, but all-year round. Dr. Joe Tartagni of Shoreline Dental Care can help ensure your children and the rest of the family is getting the best dental care for their teeth.
