Five Tricks to Handling Halloween Treats
Halloween gives children a chance not only to dress up as their favorite superhero but also to enjoy their candies. While it may be a joyous occasion, it may pronounce doom to your child’s dental health.
We have millions of bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar. When you consume sugary treats, the bacteria will break down the sugar and produce an acid solution that attacks the enamel.
Although avoiding sweets is the best way to prevent cavities, this may not be possible during Halloween. Here are five tricks that can help enjoy treats while still keeping your teeth healthy.
1. Do Not Be Harsh
When you forbid your child from enjoying the Halloween experience, it only sends a negative message and makes the treats irresistible. This makes your child even want to eat them even more in secrecy.
Instead, talk to your child about the effects of candies in their teeth. It is easy for your child to avoid treats if they understand how sugar increases their risk of cavities, affects their dental health and overall wellness.
Educating them on proper dental hygiene and why they need to avoid sweets will increase the chances of your children making better choices later. When you discuss dental health, children learn two things; to control their candy consumption and what they eat affects their oral health.
2. Get A Plan
Having a plan in place before Halloween will prevent the chances of your child consuming too much candy at once.
- It is advisable to give them a small bag to limit the amount of candy they can collect.
- Discuss with them the number of houses they can visit while trick-or-treating.
- Set limits when it comes to how many candies they can take, where, and when. It is better to have them wait until they get home before taking any candy.
- Have your child consume a healthy snack before they go trick-or-treating. This will prevent the urge to indulge and eating candies.
3. Inspect the Candy Bag
Once the children get back from trick-or-treating, make sure you inspect the candy bag and separate them based on the type. Avoid giving sticky candies because it tends to stick in between the teeth. It is difficult to remove stuck candies from the teeth and prevent cavities from developing.
Also, avoid sugary drinks because sugar in liquid form contains too much sugar than solid candy. This means your child will end up consuming too much sugar.
As you separate the treats, ensure you discuss the portions to take with your child before giving it.
4. Brush The Teeth Immediately
Ensure your child cleans their teeth immediately after taking the treats to prevent the bacteria-food connection and also stop the plaques from forming.
If possible, have your child use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and make it less prone to cavities. Alternatively, give your child fluoridated water, especially if they are young. This will not only strengthen the teeth but will also increase saliva, which helps to remove any residual food and candy particles.
Besides brushing, teach your child how to floss to remove any stuck candies between your teeth. Do not forget to visit Dr. Amy Ellis Green for a professional dental cleaning to remove any plaque buildup and keep the teeth and gums healthy.
5. Swap the Candies for Non-Sugar Treat
After discussing the importance of proper dental hygiene with your child, ask them if they can trade the candy with a non-candy gift such as a toy.
Additionally, you can opt to give them candies away to other families and organizations too. This will help your child learn the importance of sharing. Ask them to choose their favorite candies and give out the rest.
Take Away!
With Halloween fast approaching, it is important to establish proper dental hygiene to preserve your child’s teeth. Visit Dr. Ellis, Green, and Jenkins dental clinic for more information on pediatric dental practices. Our dentist in Columbus, SC, will also discuss other kid-friendly dental services that can help support your child’s dental health.