Halloween Candy Tips

Children love Halloween. It’s an opportunity to dress up like their favorite characters and go door to door begging for candy. Unfortunately children eat more candy at Halloween time than any other. Although completely eliminating candy at Halloween would be an impossible feat, there are some things you can do to ensure your children don’t cause damage to their teeth.

Be Picky. Go through your children’s candy after they return from trick-or-treating. Remove sticky candies which can pull out fillings or cling to teeth causing tooth decay. Also take out hard candy which attacks tooth enamel as it sits on teeth over time, leading to cavities. Dole out the remaining candy a little bit at a time.

Balance It Out. Having candy at Halloween won’t be a big deal if your children eat healthy the rest of the year. Provide them with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They should also drink plenty of fluoridated water and skip sugary sports drinks and soda.  In fact, let them eat their Halloween candy after a meal, when saliva production is increased. That will counteract the damage caused by sugar.

Establish a Routine. Children need to know the importance of brushing at least twice a day. Flossing is also essential as it removes plaque from between teeth and under the gum line. As their role model it is up to you so show them how it is done- literally. Walk them through the steps so they know how to brush and floss correctly. Then make it a point to brush and floss your teeth when they are around.

Schedule an exam and cleaning for each child at least once every six months. Establishing good oral health early is a gift you can give them no matter what the holiday.

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Original Source: https://www.craigarmstrongdds.com/cleanings-and-prevention/halloween-candy-tips