12 Tips for a Healthy Halloween
Fall season is upon us and Halloween is right around the corner! For many kids (and adults), Halloween is a holiday favorite and for good reason: candy! But before we all overload on candy, parents should be aware that sugary foods can have a huge negative impact on their children’s oral health. We all want our kids to enjoy Halloween, but here are 12 useful tips that will help parents maintain their kids’ oral health (and their oral health as well!).
1.) Time it right
Halloween candy and other sugary foods should be eaten with meals or shortly after. During meals saliva production increases, which rinses away food particles and aids in cancelling out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.
2.) Stay away from sweet snacks
Snacking on candy and sugary treats? Chances are you’re just increasing the risk of cavities. It is not ideal for your diet or dental health to snack on candy throughout the day.
3.) Choose candy carefully
Avoiding hard candy and sweets that stay in your mouth for long periods of time can help in having a healthy Halloween. Unless it is sugar free these types of sweets can promote tooth decay.
4.) Avoid sticky situations
The longer candies such as gummies or taffy take to get washed away by saliva increases risks for tooth decay.
5.) Have a plan
Keeping out bowls of Halloween candy can be tempting. Limit these temptations by having your family pick out their favorites and donating the rest to organizations in your area.
6.) Drink more water
To help prevent tooth decay you can opt for fluoridated water. This is also available in bottle form.
7.) Maintain a healthy diet
Just like the saying “you are what you eat” this can apply to your teeth and gums. Choosing how much and what you decide to put in your body affects your general health and that of your teeth and gums.
8.) Stay away from sugary beverages
We all love soda, sports drinks, and flavored water. But teeth coming into frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar are increasing the risk of tooth decay.
9.) Chew gum with ADA seal
To reduce the risk of tooth decay, try to chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals. This helps because you’re increasing saliva production and helping to wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria.
10.) Brush twice a day
Two minutes twice a day with an ADA-Accepted fluoride toothpaste will get the job done! And remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months to keep up your teeth and gum hygiene.
11.) Clean between your teeth
Toothbrush bristles can only reach so much therefore flossing once a day will get rid of decay-causing bacteria that gets trapped between your teeth.
12.) Visit an ADA dentist
Come visit us! Regular visits to your dentist can prevent and treat problems before they become irreversible.