According to a study done by the US National Library of Medicine, only about 45% of children brush their teeth twice a day. With Halloween just around the corner, this lack of brushing plus a spike in sugary foods can be detrimental to your child’s oral health. So, how can you help them make it through the season with all their teeth intact? Here are some Halloween oral health tips you should try.
How Sugar Harms Teeth
When your child consumes sugary foods, the bacteria in their mouth feeds off of the sugar, which creates acids that eat away at their tooth enamel. This can lead to tooth decay and, when left untreated, cavities may form. Though proper oral health care can lessen your child’s chances of developing cavities, controlling their sugar intake can help, too.
A Healthier Halloween
Along with brushing twice each day and flossing once, there are several other ways you can help your child avoid an oral health catastrophe this season. A few helpful Halloween oral health tips to consider include:
- Come up with a plan – Before going trick-or-treating, map out the best strategies for your child’s teeth such as limiting the number of houses they can visit or encouraging them to be more selective with the candy they choose.
- Candy trade in – Consider allowing your child to trade in the bulk of their Halloween candy for some kind of non-candy prize. Some good suggestions include toys, slime, fun accessories, or stickers.
- Drink more water – Have your child drink water while they eat their candy to help wash away some of the sugar in their mouth.
- Eat beforehand – Make sure your child goes trick-or-treating on a full stomach. Since they won’t be hungry, this may make them less inclined to grab as much candy as they can from the houses they visit. Have them eat something when going through their candy at home as well.
- Snack in moderation – Teach your child about the importance of eating foods in moderation so they’re less likely to comsume excessive amounts of candy. Make sure to put the candy away so your child only eats it when it is given to them.
- Opt for healthier options – Have your child eat healthier candies such as sugar free gum and dark chocolate since there are less damaging to their teeth. Have some of these candies around to trade with your child so you aren’t just adding more candy to their pile.
Whether its spooky season or any other time of the year, your responsibility to help your child take care of their teeth is never over. By following these tips, your child can enjoy a sweet-filled Halloween without sacrificing their smile in the process.
About the Practice
Dr. Christine Laster, Dr. Dalton Hunt, and the rest of their friendly and talented Raleigh team enjoy providing quality dental care to patients of all ages in their comfortable, inviting office. They aim to help both individuals and families improve their oral health for bigger, brighter, more beautiful smiles. They provide dental services specially designed for growing smiles so your child can begin learning how to properly care for their teeth at an early age. Visit their website or call their office at (919) 561-6393 for more information about how you can protect your child’s teeth this Halloween.
