For children, Halloween means dressing up in a costume and getting lots of candy. But as fun as the holiday can be, it can also potentially lead to serious dental problems. Fortunately, you don’t have to keep your child home from trick-or-treating to protect their smile; just follow these Halloween oral health tips to keep the season as tooth-friendly as possible.
1. Be Selective About the Candy You Keep
When sorting through your child’s Halloween candy, remember that some treats are more harmful than others. Sticky or gooey candies tend to be particularly dangerous since they stay on the teeth the longest. Meanwhile, chocolates don’t stick on the enamel at all and are swallowed quickly, so they’re usually a much safer option.
2. Moderate Your Child’s Candy Consumption
Your child will probably want to eat as much of their candy as possible once they get home from trick-or-treating, but it’s important to teach them to enjoy such treats in moderation. One way to do this is to set up a “candy bank” and let your child make limited “withdrawals” every day. This lets you keep track of how much candy they’re eating and ensures that they won’t overindulge to the point of putting their teeth at risk.
3. Have Them Eat Candy at Mealtimes
The safest time to enjoy candy is right after a meal. Your child’s mouth will produce more saliva while they’re eating, and this will help wash any sugar off of their teeth. To be extra safe, have them drink a glass of water once they’re done enjoying their candy.
4. Make Oral Hygiene a Top Priority
Needless to say, brushing and flossing are always essential when it comes to protecting your little one’s smile. Make sure that they’re brushing at least two times every day and that each brushing session lasts for two minutes. If your child isn’t already flossing, you should help them make that a daily habit as well; it’s the most reliable way to clean the spaces between the teeth.
5. Schedule an Appointment with Your Child’s Dentist
If it has been a while since your child’s last dental appointment, now’s a good time to schedule a visit. The dentist can examine your child’s smile for signs of tooth decay and other oral health problems before they reach their more advanced stages. They can also give you some additional advice for taking care of your little one’s grin at home.
By keeping the above tips in mind, you can make sure that your child has plenty of fun this Halloween without needing an emergency dental appointment. Remember, you can always call their dentist if you have any concerns about their oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas is a proud Crown Point native who enjoys having the opportunity to help his neighbors smile. He is a current member of the Indiana Dental Association and the Laporte County Dental Society. His practice, Ornelas Family Dentistry, is happy to accept patients of all ages. If you’d like to schedule a post-Halloween appointment with Dr. Ornelas, visit his website or call (219) 663-2892.