Posted October 26, 2021 in Pediatric Dentistry
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Halloween is synonymous with candy. Regardless of your kids’ Halloween plans this year, there will undoubtedly be many sweets going around. And while you may not be able to stop your kids from eating sugar entirely, you can be proactive in helping them reduce their risk of cavities.
Keep reading for tips on how parents can ensure that their kids maintain proper oral hygiene to protect their teeth during this sugar-filled holiday.
Remind Your Kids to Practice Oral Hygiene
When we eat candy, the sugar sticks to our teeth. This sugar can get stuck in between our teeth, which can cause tooth decay and eventually lead to cavities.
Remind your kids, especially during Halloween, of the importance of proper brushing and flossing twice a day.
Drink Water
Your kids will probably only brush and floss in the morning and evening, despite eating candy throughout the day. Another line of defense throughout the day is to drink lots of water after eating something sweet.
Drinking water after eating candy can help wash away some of the sugar and acid on the teeth. Ask your kids to always have a glass of water immediately after a sugary treat.
Limit Other Sugar Intake
During this holiday, there’s no denying your child will have more candy than is typical. You can help to balance out this increased sugar intake by reducing sugar in other places.
If you typically give your child juice or other sugary snacks, swap them out for vegetables and protein instead.
Supplement With Healthy Meals
Additionally, while your kids are eating all their Halloween candy, try to balance their diet with healthy food choices. Opt for a healthy dinner full of vegetables and lean proteins instead of the family pizza or takeout night.
Limit the Candy
Lastly, try to spread out their candy and limit it to one or two sweets at a time. You don’t want to have your child go through their entire Halloween stash in just a few days.
Book a Dental Check-Up
After all that sugar, it can be beneficial to book a check-up with your dentist. Cavities can be spotted early on and addressed quickly if caught early. On the other hand, if cavities are allowed to develop, they become more challenging (and expensive) to deal with.
Interested in Learning More?
Gentle Care Dentist specializes in dental care for children. We make dentist visits fun, so your kids don’t mind coming to us!
Get ahead of the Halloween cavities and book your first appointment today. Schedule your visit now by calling (575) 222-7624 or by filling out this online form.