By Dr. LaCap
Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for children. Dressing up in a fun costume, eating scary treats, and trick or treating are staple activities for this spooky holiday. Follow these four helpful tips to make this Halloween one to remember while keeping the little smiles in tip-top shape.
Worst Types of Candy for Teeth
Beware of sticky, chewy, or gummy candies. Sweet treats that stick to teeth can be a nightmare to clean. Sour candies may make your lips pucker but will haunt you later if you eat too many and erode your precious tooth enamel. Hard candies may turn your tongue ghoulish colors but sinking your fangs into these rocklike sweets can easily crack your pearly whites.
Healthier Treat Options for Teeth
Stick to chocolate goodies this Halloween. Chocolate can be consumed quickly and washes off the teeth faster than other types of candy. Dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa is the best treat option for your teeth. Cocoa beans contain powerful antioxidants that have oral health benefits. Sugar-free candies and gum are also a healthier alternative to their sugary counterparts.
The Right Time to Indulge
The best time to let your little one eat their Halloween goodies is right after they eat a meal. After consuming a full meal, saliva flow is at its highest. Saliva helps wash away sugar and excess food particles on the teeth. While if a child snacks on candy throughout the day, more plaque will likely accumulate on the teeth.
Pay Extra Attention to Daily Hygiene
Brushing twice and flossing once daily are the keys to maintaining a clean smile. Although, your little one’s smile will need more attention after a day of snacking on Halloween candy. Your first instinct may be to have your child brush their teeth automatically after eating sweets, but this can damage the enamel since it is softer after eating. It is better to wait at least a half hour after eating to brush to let the enamel reharden.
Halloween is an ideal time to get your child a new toothbrush. As a rule of thumb, everyone should replace their toothbrush about every three months. So, it may be time to get a new one anyways! Have your child pick out a toothbrush they are excited about at the store and give it to them on Halloween night. Remind them to brush in small circles on the front, back, and top of each tooth. Make sure either supervise their brushing or do a quick visual check after to ensure their smile is thoroughly cleaned.
Keep a Boo-tiful Smile this Halloween!
Halloween treats are part of the fun, but they don’t have to be the main focus! Roasting pumpkin seeds, doing a spooky craft project, or going to a corn maze are some great activities to do for the holiday. If your child has too much candy at the end of their trick or treating, you can donate the extra loot to us where will send the candy the troops overseas, a homeless shelter, and a senior center. We will give you $1 for every pound of candy.
Have a tooth-healthy Halloween!