Not All Candy Is
Equally Scary
It is that time of the year again where kids eagerly pick
out Halloween costumes in anticipation of filling their bags with lots of candy.
While kids have fun dressing up as
witches and monsters, many parents may be concerned about the oral health hazards
associated with Halloween, especially with the holiday right around the corner.
We here at Avant Dentistry want to assure parents that they
need not dread this spooky & sugary tradition. Halloween can provide children an opportunity
to socialize and enjoy treats, while also learning good oral health practices
early that they will likely carry with them well into adulthood. Parents can help prevent cavities for their
trick-or-treaters by encouraging them to make smarter candy choices, and of
course everything is moderation.
Not all candy is equally scary. Candies that melt and dissolve quickly are
less likely to stay on the teeth, which decreases the chance of tooth
decay. Try to avoid gooey and chewy
candy (i.e. caramels), that linger on the teeth, allowing cavity-causing
bacteria in the mouth to produce more acid and thus tooth decay. Candy sweetened with sugar alcohols, like
Xylitol, can actually prevent bacteria from producing such acids. After enjoying any sugary treat, encourage
kids to brush their teeth or at least swish with water, which lessens the
amount of time sugar stays in contact with teeth. For younger children, parents’ follow-up
brushing after the child does it him/herself is recommended. To
make it fun, try offering a new, brightly colored toothbrush as a final
Halloween “goodie.” Making it fun for children encourages them to
continue good hygiene practices. Lastly,
try to ensure your children eat a healthy hearty meal prior to
trick-or-treating, so there will be less temptation to gorge on candy.
Too much sugar, and its effect on oral and overall general
health, does not have to be the scariest part of Halloween or any other part of
the year. Regardless of the season, it
is always best to make sure your child’s teeth are clean by brushing and
flossing every day, followed by regular check-ups and health hygiene visits
with your dentist at least twice a year. If you have any other, questions please
contact us here at Avant Dentistry 240-743-4421.
