Enjoy the Treats Without the Risk
Ghosts, goblins, ghouls… decay?!
Halloween is just around the corner – and so are the many different sweet treats that come along with it. We all know that sugar isn’t so great for our teeth, and especially for our little ones’. Children’s teeth have enamel hypolasia, or a lack of a protective enamel layer – which means they’re more susceptible to the harmful effects of sugar.But cavities don’t need to happen this Halloween (or the next)! By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep both your child’s and your own teeth safe from any spooky decay… because we all know our kids aren’t the only ones sneaking in the sweets.
- Put a limit on the candy collection
By setting a maximum time that can be spent trick-or-treating, or by planning to fill a single bag of your preferred size (hopefully not a pillowcase!), you won’t be going door to door only to end up with a lifetime supply of sweets. This is a smart move not only for oral health, but for overall health. - Save treats for mealtime, not as snacks in-between
Consuming sugary snacks frequently and in-between meals increases the amount of times the mouth is being exposed to sugar, and ultimately; bouts of acid attacking the teeth. Encourage your little one to eat their sweets along with their meals. - Brush and floss after every indulgence
It’s important that you teach your child to brush and floss after they’re finished with their treat, whenever possible (the same goes for adults)! - Keep sugarless chewing gum nearby
Supply your child with a pack of sugar-free gum to chew after they snack. Chewing sugar-free gum, preferably sweetened with xylitol (an acid-neutralizing natural sweetener) after meals or sweet snacks will help to prevent cavities from forming. Chewing gum is especially helpful in situations where brushing or flossing is not possible or convenient.
While putting in these efforts to protect your family’s teeth this Halloween, it’s no question that good oral health requires diligent every day maintenance no matter what month we’re in… and this includes routine exam/hygiene appointments at the dentist. To book a check-up and cleaning at our Huntsville, Ontario clinic, call us today!
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