Halloween is a day children across the country look forward to, seeing it as a chance to bring home a big haul of candy. As a parent, however, you may not be as excited knowing how easily that candy could lead to cavities. Luckily, by taking the right precautions, you can let your little one enjoy their sweets while protecting their smiles from decay. Below are 5 tips from a preventive dentist for keeping your child safe from cavities this Halloween.
1. Be Aware of Which Types of Candy Carry the Biggest Risk of Tooth Decay
Some types of candy are more likely to lead to cavities than others. Lollipops and other hard candies are major examples since they stay in the mouth for a long time. You also need to exercise caution with gum, caramels, and any other type of candy that can stick to the teeth. To protect your child’s smile, it may be a good idea to keep their exposure to these types of sweets to a minimum.
2. Make Sure That Your Child Isn’t Eating Their Candy Too Frequently
Your child will be at a much higher risk for cavities if they are allowed to snack on candy throughout the day; this is because it takes time for saliva to wash away any sugar left in the mouth after eating sweets. To stay on the safe side, it’s best to only let your child eat candy at specific times during the day – ideally right after lunch or dinner.
3. Swap Out Sugar-Filled Gum with Sugar-Free Gum
While sugar-filled gum can potentially lead to dental problems, sugar-free gum is much more smile-friendly. It encourages the mouth to produce more saliva that can help wash away decay-causing bacteria and sugars. As a result, letting your child chew on sugar-free gum can potentially go a long way toward reducing their risk for tooth decay.
4. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Making sure that your child is practicing the right oral hygiene habits will be more important than ever once you have a stash of Halloween candy to worry about. Make sure that your child is brushing at least two times a day for two minutes at a time, and remind them to floss daily as well.
5. Schedule an Appointment with Your Child’s Dentist
If you have any doubts about your child’s oral health after Halloween, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with their dentist. A professional checkup and cleaning can often be the key to stopping dental problems before they have a chance to start.
Protecting your child from cavities can be as simple as taking the right precautions. Follow the tips above so that everyone in your family can enjoy Halloween to the fullest without having to worry about future dental emergencies.
About the Practice
At Little Rock Family Dental Care, we have a large team of general dentists and specialists who work together to provide comprehensive dental care for families in the local community. We welcome patients of all ages and are happy to give them tips for taking better care of their smiles during their regular checkups and cleanings. To schedule a consultation at Little Rock Family Dental Care before or after Halloween, visit our website or call (501) 954-9900.