Now that fall is in the air, your little ones are likely
getting excited for Halloween. Eating mountains of candy all night is every
child's dream, but it can be a nightmare for their pearly whites. Sugar is a
major cause of tooth decay, which makes Halloween particularly dangerous for
your children's oral health. This year, take steps to keep your kids' sugar
intake in check and protect
their teeth from icky cavities. Here are some ideas to help you manage the
candy bucket.
Use a
Smaller Treat Bag
Every child's plan for the night is to fill their goodie bag
with as much candy as it will hold. So if you send your goblins and witches out
with a giant pillowcase for trick-or-treating, they're going to come back with
a ton of candy. Instead, opt for a smaller bag that will fill up much faster.
Your kids might be a little disappointed with their haul, but their teeth will
thank you.
Save Candy
for After Meals
Your kids are going to want to start snacking on their
candies right away. Go ahead and let them have a few pieces that night to let
them celebrate, but save the rest of the candy for a post-dinner dessert.
Saliva production increases during meals, helping to wash away any bacteria and
food particles that got left behind. Having candy after dinner ensures that
your children's teeth have a little more protection because of that extra
saliva.
Swap Candy
for Sugar-Free Rewards
Candy is great, but if your child has had his eye on a new
video game or has been itching to go bowling, you might be able to make a
trade. Consider offering to swap candy in exchange for a toy or activity. This
maintains the fun of Halloween but limits the amount of candy your kids are
indulging in.
Maintain
Good Brushing Habits
The first thing your children should do after treating
themselves to a sugary piece of candy is brush
their teeth. Brushing is the best way to remove any candy or sugar residue
from the teeth. Remind the kids how to brush properly — by holding the
toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and moving it back and forth as well as
circular motions and also short, soft strokes — and supervise them if they need
a little extra help.
If your worried that this year's Halloween candy might have
taken a toll on your children's teeth, schedule an appointment at Playtime
dental for a cleaning and exam. Dr. Jackson Cockley, DDS, will take a closer
look and make sure there aren't any cavities hiding out in your little one's
teeth. Give us a call
today to make an appointment.
