Every October, store aisles begin to burst with orange and black decorations, costumes, and of course, lots and lots of candy.
For kids, Halloween is fun holiday full of memories but it can, quite quickly, turn into a holiday full of cavities, if we’re not careful. Here are a few tips for moms and dads who want their kiddos to be safe and healthy this Halloween.
Moderation
Whether it’s from school, church, or parties, kiddos can accumulate enough candy during the month of October to stock up for winter. Candy is fun and should be absolutely be enjoyed but kiddos need limits. For younger kids, put everything they accumulate in a basket and have them pick out their favorites. Tell them they can have a piece of candy after completing a chore or after dinner time.
Eat candy during or around mealtimes
Eat Halloween candy with meals or shortly after mealtime. It might be a little gross, but eating a meal causes more saliva production, which will help cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps to rinse away food particles.
Avoid candy that sticks to teeth
Candies like gummy bears and taffy are difficult for kids to brush away, so they stay on the teeth for longer periods of time, thus causing decay. Try to stick to more melt-in-your-mouth candies like Reese’s Cups and lollipops.
Drink more water
Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay and keep teeth strong and healthy. Skip the pop and sugary drinks this season and serve water for dinner. Another good tip is to have your kids drink a glass of water after eating candy, to help wash away anything initially sticking to their teeth.
Brush & Floss
As always, brushing and flossing after meals and especially after consuming candy, will make a huge difference. Make sure to double check your kids are cleaning their teeth properly after eating candy.
Visit the dentist
Bring the whole family to River Dental for a cleaning after Halloween! We’ll be able to take care of anything that may have slipped through the cracks during the month.
For quality care, friendly service, and a trusted Springdale dentist, come to River Dental. Call us to make an appointment today!
