Halloween is filled with candy, chocolate, sweets, and all kinds of treats; while they may be delicious, they are also the gateway to cavities and oral hygiene issues. Whether you have a sibling or child going trick-or-treating this year, they will more than likely return with as many sweet treats as they can possibly hold. Halloween is meant to be scary and spooky, but don’t let cavities from sticky sweets be one of them! To help your child or family have a happy Halloween experience without the repercussions it may have on your child’s dental health, the dental care team at Waterville Family Dentistry has compiled our top tips to help keep your teeth safe!
Protect Your Child’s Teeth This Halloween By:
Eat The Candy Moderation
It may be hard seeing all of the yummy candy lined up to limit you and your child to a few pieces. But try to encourage your child to eat their stockpile in moderation; this will help curve the sugar fix while giving time for teeth to be brushed in between snacks.
Avoid Sticky Candy
With so many available candy options, avoiding the super sticky and chewy candy, including gummy bears, caramels, and taffy, is best. We recommend avoiding these candies because they can get stuck on the teeth and are difficult to remove, even with regular brushing and flossing. When the residue is left behind, it gives a gateway for cavities and gum disease.
Avoid Sour Treats
In addition to sticky candy, we recommend you and your child steer clear of any excessively sour candy. The acid in sour candies is harmful to tooth enamel and causes it to break down quicker than expected.
Brush Your Child’s Teeth Right After
We all understand the importance of brushing our teeth; however, it is even more critical after eating Halloween candy. Brushing your child’s teeth right after will help keep them cavity-free while removing unwanted and harmful bacteria.
Get A Fluoride Treatment
If you are extra worried about your child’s teeth around Halloween time, have them undergo a fluoride treatment. This treatment is usually a part of your child’s regular dental checkup but can be applied in other instances for a bit of extra protection from tooth decay and cavities.
In Search Of A Dentist? Contact Waterville Family Dentistry Today!
If you are searching for a dental practice or have any additional questions about your dental health, please call us at 207-873-1311. Our expert dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services and would gladly assist you. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you create the smile of your dreams soon!