Carving Pumpkins, dressing up in costumes, collecting free candy: there is no mystery why Halloween is a favorite time of the year for the kids. There is no need to spoil the fun worrying about letting your children have candy as long as you follow these few simple tips to keeping your children’s teeth healthy and cavity free!
The American Dental Association even says, “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a plan,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty.
Do’s
- Let your children eat their candy right after a meal. The saliva that develops in their mouth during their meal helps them break down the sugary, acidic candy.
- Select the candy carefully. Candies that are sugar-free help produce saliva and avoid getting dry mouth. Dark Chocolate is also a good option, as it has been proven to actually have health benefits.
- Drink water after eating candy. This will help wash away the sugar and acid on the teeth to prevent it from causing damage.
Dont’s
- Try to avoid candies that you suck on for a long time or that are sticky or hard. These candies break down the enamel on the teeth more rapidly than other candies do.
- Don’t brush immediately after eating candy. The teeth enamel can be very weak after eating candy and so brushing them right after may cause further weakening of the enamel.
- Don’t let your kids constantly snack on candy, limit and plan when they can eat their candy.
With these simple tips, and regular brushing and flossing twice a day, your children’s teeth can remain healthy during this Halloween season. There is no reason not to enjoy a night of fun while trick or treating with the whole family!
Have a Happy Halloween!