Did you know that children consume about three cups of sugar on Halloween? That’s the equivalent of eating 220 sugar packets! So, you can see why dentists aren’t usually fans of candy-filled holidays like these. Don’t worry – you can read on for a few helpful tips for a tooth-friendly Halloween. That way, your child’s smile stays decay-free throughout the holiday season.
Tip #1: Be Selective About the Candy You Keep
Simply put, some candy is “better” than others, particularly when it comes to your child’s oral health. Dark chocolate is a great example since it’s delicious and loaded with antioxidants! On the other hand, there are some candies that should be avoided, like jawbreakers. Treats like these aren’t ideal because if your child bites into them too soon, they can crack a tooth; if they suck on them too long, they can develop a cavity.
Tip #2: Eat Candy with Meals Instead of Separately
Eating candy with lunch or dinner is ideal for a few reasons. The main one is that your child’s saliva production increases while they are eating, which helps rinse sugar and food particles from their teeth. Of course, your child should also be brushing their teeth after each meal, which helps prevent cavities from developing as well.
Tip #3: Establish a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen
Even if your child had a long night trick-or-treating, they need to brush and floss their teeth before going to bed. If they don’t, then all of that sugar will sit on their teeth for hours and hours, negatively impacting their oral health in the process. Of course, getting your child to thoroughly complete their oral hygiene routine can be easier said than done, which is why it’s important to give plenty of positive reinforcement.
Tip #4: Schedule a Dental Checkup and Cleaning
As your child’s fine motor skills are developing, they need some help completing their oral hygiene routine. Even once they are older, they need to come in for a checkup and cleaning every six months so we can remove stubborn plaque and tartar before serious oral health issues develop. So, what better time to get your child’s next visit on the calendar? That way, their dentist can detect cavities early on while preventing other dental problems from arising in the future.
About the Practice
At Riviera Family Dentistry of Mesquite, we’re here to help our patients with everything from routine checkups to sudden emergency dentistry. Plus, we welcome patients of all ages so your whole family can come to the same familiar office and visit the same trustworthy team time and time again. If you want to learn more about how to prevent tooth decay during the holiday season or you want to schedule your child’s next checkup, don’t hesitate to visit our website.