Keep Halloween Candy from Trashing Your Kids’ Teeth
Now that fall is in the
air, your little ones are likely getting excited for Halloween. Eating
mountains of candy all night is every child’s dream, but it can be a nightmare
for their pearly whites. Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay, which makes
Halloween particularly dangerous for your children’s oral health. This year,
take steps to keep your kids’ sugar intake in check and protect their teeth from icky cavities. Here are some ideas
to help you manage the candy bucket.
Use a Smaller Treat Bag
Every child’s plan for
the night is to fill their goodie bag with as much candy as it will hold. So if
you send your goblins and witches out with a giant pillowcase for
trick-or-treating, they’re going to come back with a ton of candy. Instead, opt
for a smaller bag that will fill up much faster. Your kids might be a little
disappointed with their haul, but their teeth will thank you.
Save Candy for After
Meals
Your kids are going to
want to start snacking on their candies right away. Go ahead and let them have
a few pieces that night to let them celebrate, but save the rest of the candy
for a post-dinner dessert. Saliva production increases during meals, helping to
wash away any bacteria and food particles that got left behind. Having candy
after dinner ensures that your children’s teeth have a little more protection
because of that extra saliva.
Swap Candy for Sugar-Free
Rewards
Candy is great, but if
your child has had his eye on a new video game or has been itching to go
bowling, you might be able to make a trade. Consider offering to swap candy in
exchange for a toy or activity. This maintains the fun of Halloween but limits
the amount of candy your kids are indulging in.
Maintain Good Brushing
Habits
The first thing your children should do after treating themselves to a sugary piece of candy is to brush their teeth. Brushing is the best way to remove any candy or sugar residue from the teeth. Remind the kids how to brush properly — by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and moving it back and forth as well as circular motions and also short, soft strokes — and supervise them if they need a little extra help.
If you’re worried that this year’s Halloween candy might have taken a toll on your children’s teeth, schedule an appointment
source: playtimedental.com
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.
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Keep Halloween Candy from Trashing Your Kids’ Teeth
Now that fall is in the air, your little ones are likely getting excited for Halloween. Eating mountains of candy all night is every child’s dream, but it can be a nightmare for their pearly whites. Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay, which makes Halloween particularly dangerous for your children’s oral health. This year, take steps to keep your kids’ sugar intake in check and protect their teeth from icky cavities. Here are some ideas to help you manage the candy bucket.
Use a Smaller Treat Bag
Every child’s plan for the night is to fill their goodie bag with as much candy as it will hold. So if you send your goblins and witches out with a giant pillowcase for trick-or-treating, they’re going to come back with a ton of candy. Instead, opt for a smaller bag that will fill up much faster. Your kids might be a little disappointed with their haul, but their teeth will thank you.
Save Candy for After Meals
Your kids are going to want to start snacking on their candies right away. Go ahead and let them have a few pieces that night to let them celebrate, but save the rest of the candy for a post-dinner dessert. Saliva production increases during meals, helping to wash away any bacteria and food particles that got left behind. Having candy after dinner ensures that your children’s teeth have a little more protection because of that extra saliva.
Swap Candy for Sugar-Free Rewards
Candy is great, but if your child has had his eye on a new video game or has been itching to go bowling, you might be able to make a trade. Consider offering to swap candy in exchange for a toy or activity. This maintains the fun of Halloween but limits the amount of candy your kids are indulging in.
Maintain Good Brushing Habits
The first thing your children should do after treating themselves to a sugary piece of candy is to brush their teeth. Brushing is the best way to remove any candy or sugar residue from the teeth. Remind the kids how to brush properly — by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and moving it back and forth as well as circular motions and also short, soft strokes — and supervise them if they need a little extra help.
If you’re worried that this year’s Halloween candy might have taken a toll on your children’s teeth, schedule an appointment
source:
playtimedental.com
We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.