When your child has everything they need to complete their costume, it can feel like a truly rewarding experience. What’s even more fun is watching them talk to neighbors, show off their character they put so much effort into creating, and getting rewarded with a piece of candy in the process. While Halloween can be fun for the whole family, it shouldn’t be at the expense of their oral health. This October, consider tips from a dentist on how to best avoid cavities without skipping the holiday altogether.
Moderation is Key
Candies should not be consumed on a daily basis. Remember, eating small amounts of candy throughout the day can actually be more harmful than eating a large amount of candy in one sitting. This is why it’s important to keep bowls of candy out of your house once your child has already collected a fair amount of candy on their own. Additionally, you’ll want to keep all other sugar-filled beverages and foods outside of the house during the holiday season. When they do enjoy the candy they received from trick-or-treating, make sure you limit how much they consume at a time.
Know the Candies to Avoid
When it comes to the worst offenders for tooth decay, take note of the following list. While all candy can cause tooth decay, the list notes the worst candies from top to bottom:
- Sour gummies
- Regular gummies
- Hard candy
- Caramel and taffy
- Chocolate
Sour candy of any kind is more acidic, which means it attacks tooth enamel more than traditional gummies. Regular gummies stay on teeth for long periods of time and stick to enamel much more easily. Hard candy dissolves in the mouth, but also exposes enamel to sugar for long periods of time and can even crack teeth. Chocolate is by far the safest option and does not stay on teeth for very long.
Remove the Most Harmful Candy from the House
Once your child finishes trick-or-treating, screen their Halloween candy for the worst offenders. Then, donate that candy either to a non-profit in your area accepting candy or to a dental office, which often do candy buybacks. You can also offer trades for your child’s candy for items that are healthier, such as cheese sticks, local honey sticks, juice boxes, or other treats you know they will enjoy.
Commit to Routine Oral Care
After your child has had some of their candy, make sure they wait at least 30 minutes before they brush and floss. This gives their saliva a chance to balance the pH levels in their mouth, ensuring that their enamel is not soft when they go to brush their teeth. They should also be brushing for at least two minutes at a time twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist once every six months for a checkup, cleaning and fluoride treatment. Ask the dentist if they should have dental sealants placed to provide additional protection.
Cavities don’t have to be a fact of life. With the help of a children’s dentist, you can easily protect your child’s teeth and enjoy your Halloween!
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Labosky earned his DMD degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry. Today, his practice serves patients of all ages and loves providing preventive treatments that protect your child’s oral health. To learn more about his practice or schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.
