3 Cavity Prevention Tips For Halloween

Cavity prevention during Halloween might seem like a lost cause. Why? Because let’s be honest, kids love candy. But as parents, we don’t have to let sugary treats get the best of our children’s smiles this holiday season. Instead, a local dentist shares three helpful tips that are designed to not only let little ones enjoy some of the goodies that end up in their trick-or-treating bags but also keep their smiles safe.

Limit Consumption of Candy

No one is saying your children can’t enjoy some sweet treats on Halloween, but it is important that they not consume an overabundance in one evening. A few things you might consider include:

• Letting them pick out their favorite candies and agree to donate the rest.
• Let them keep more of the chocolate than sour, gummy, or sticky ones, as these tend to stick to teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay.

These options will allow them to get into the spooky spirit by snacking on a few of their favorite candies without overindulging in those that can wreak havoc on their smiles and lead to cavities.

Make Sure They Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

It’s not just on Halloween that your child should brush and floss their teeth well. They should be practicing good oral hygiene habits year-round, as this will help to limit the risk of possible cavities, especially around the holidays. This means making sure that they brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, floss each morning and night, and rinse (if old enough) to flush out any remaining bad oral bacteria.

Don’t Add More Sugar with Beverages

It’s going to be hard enough trying to keep your little ones from sneaking more sugar throughout the day. Don’t add to it by offering sodas, fruit juices, or sports drinks. These contain much acidity, which is harmful to teeth. As it interacts with the bad oral bacteria inside your child’s mouth, the acids eat away at the tooth enamel, resulting in cavities and a trip to see a dentist in Weyauwega. Instead, give your child a glass of water with dinner, as this will help to keep their salivary glands working while also flushing out any food particles that might try to adhere to their teeth.

Halloween is meant to be a time of fun, excitement, and delicious treats. By keeping these helpful tips in mind, you can ensure your child’s smile will avoid creepy cavities year-round.

About the Author
With more than 40 years of practicing dentistry, Dr. William Twohig has helped numerous patients regain optimal oral function. Promoting preventive dental care and its importance, he encourages all children to enjoy this time of year but to also be mindful of how much candy they are consuming. If you are looking to help your little one avoid cavities this Halloween, visit our website or call (920) 867-3101.