How to Help Your Child Avoid Scary Cavities During Halloween!
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Halloween is just around the corner, which means your children have probably already decided who they will transform into on the 31st. They may also be licking their lips in anticipation of all the sweets, however this time of year puts your kids at serious risk of dental issues like cavities and tooth decay. Thankfully, your dentist has included some Halloween oral health tips to keep your loved ones happy, healthy, and safe!
Watch Out for Sticky or Hard Candy
Halloween can be scary fun, but cavities are downright spooky. When sugars interact with bacteria in the mouth, they create acids that eat away at the smile. That’s why sticky or hard candies are risky when it comes to your oral health. Sticky candy like gummies stay in contact with the teeth for longer periods of time, increasing the likelihood that decay occurs. Additionally, hard candy often gets sugar in your saliva, which coats the entire smile. Try to help your children avoid these types of candy to save their teeth.
Give Your Kids (Dark) Chocolate
Of course, getting through Halloween without giving your children candy is nearly impossible. While certain candies stay in the mouth for longer periods of time, chocolate washes away rather easily, making it a good item to reach for when it’s time for your kids to indulge. For bonus points, give your kids dark chocolate instead of its milk counterpart. This item is actually rich in antioxidants, making it a healthy treat for your kids to eat.
Have Water at the Ready
This time of year can also bring sugary beverages that coat the teeth and put them at risk for cavities. Instead, always have water ready for your children. Water helps wash away food debris and bacteria lingering in the mouth, and it also stimulates saliva flow which naturally cleans teeth. Plus, most tap water is fluoridated, which is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and fights decay.
Don’t Forget About their Oral Health Routine
Whenever there is a holiday or exciting event, it can be easy to forget about your son or daughter’s normal oral healthcare routine. However, this is when at-home dental hygiene is most important! Make sure that your children are brushing twice a day for two minutes each session. They should also floss to remove plaque and food debris from in between the teeth. Lastly, a regular visit to your family dentist for a checkup and cleaning will catch any problems that may occur before they grow worse.
Are you ready to help your kids enjoy a happy and healthy Halloween? Just remember these tips to avoid the risk of spooky dental issues!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski is a Hartford County native who takes pride in helping patients of all ages achieve beautiful and healthy smiles. He has advanced training with countless hours of continuing education and achieved Fellowship in the Misch Implant Institute and the Academy of General Dentistry, as well as Fellowship and Diplomate status in the prestigious International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). For any questions, he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (860) 563-4544.