10/30/2021
Halloween is here! This often means bags of free candy (and a chance to build a stockpile of sweets for the winter). Halloween can present parents with a variety of health and dental challenges. Eating candy on Halloween is OK but it’s important to have a plan.
Here's how you can help your family stay MouthHealthy this Halloween (and year-round)
1) Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals which helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.
2) Avoid hard candy and sticky sweets and don’t SNACK on sweets. How often you snack and the length of time sugary food is in your mouth greatly increases the risk of tooth decay
3) Drink WATER and avoid sugary beverages including soda, sports drinks and flavored waters. Drinking fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay.
4) Limit the amount of candy you keep around the house. Pick out favorite candies and consider donating the remainder. Think about SUGARLESS GUM as a treat instead of candy. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals helps reduce tooth decay, because increased saliva flow helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria.
5) Brush at least twice each day for two minutes and floss daily. Keeping teeth clean and plaque free is vital to good oral health.
8) If it has been more than 6 months since your child’s last checkup, please call our office to schedule an appointment. Regular dental cleanings and exams enable us to catch any developing problems early, thereby making them easier to “treat”!
