How to keep your child cavity free at Halloween!
With Halloween just a day away, your child is probably excited for the big day and the subsequent candy feast. Of course, most adults would be lying if they said that they didn’t dip into the candy bag at least once as well! Also, Christmas is just around the corner, which will mean even more sweets and treats will be available, so it’s a good idea to set a game plan in motion now to prevent cavities for you and your little ones for the next few months. Below are some tips and tricks to make this Halloween healthy, happy and cavity free.
Ration treats
It may seem like common sense to not let your child have the whole bag of candy at once- this, however, can be easier said than done. Of course you want your kids to enjoy their loot, but snacking on candy all day long is a sure fire way to attract cavities. Instead, try doling out a few treats after meals; eating meals stimulates saliva, which is a natural protection against cavities. Have them brush their teeth right after, and then wait until after the next meal to give them more candy.
Choose candies wisely
All candies are not equal. Sticky treats like toffee will cling to the teeth for longer than a piece of chocolate would. Also, candy apples are slightly better than regular candies, as the crunchy apple will stimulate saliva and help mitigate all that sugar. Also, bags of chips or salty treats are better for the teeth than sugary ones.
Trade in
If your child will go for it, try trading in some of the candy for money, a new toy or video game. Explain to your child that the toy or other gift will provide more lasting enjoyment than a candy treat will.
Chew gum
Provide your child with some sugar free gum if they do eat candy and are unable to brush right after. Also, drinking some plain water can help to flush away some of the sugar and acids from the teeth. For older children and adults, mouthwash can helpful for rinsing the mouth out after consuming sugary foods or beverages.
Come in for a cleaning
Adults and children alike are going to occasionally binge out on not-so-healthy foods, especially around Halloween and Christmas. We understand that it’s hard to carry a toothbrush with you everywhere you go, and that sometimes you may just nibble on a candy and forget to brush afterwards. However, plaque can harden into tartar after just 8 hours, and decay can already start to form within a day. For this reason, it may be a good idea to book an appointment for a checkup and cleaning for you and your family around the holiday season. A professional dental cleaning will remove any plaque or tartar buildup from the teeth, and your dentist will assess you and your child for any early signs of cavities. If you are in the Edmonton area, call or come in to book your cleaning and exam with our friendly and gentle Edmonton dentist today. From all of us at Illuminada Dental in Edmonton, have a happy and safe Halloween 2017!