TIPS & TRICKS FOR A HEALTHY HALLOWEEN SMILE

Autumn is here and Halloween is near. Tis’ the season for beautiful fall colors, crisp and cool mornings, all things pumpkin, and of course, lots and lots of sweet treats! Make the most of your fall traditions with the family and enjoy all of life’s precious moments this time of year. Help the kiddos dress up in their favorite costumes and hit the streets! We encourage the fun and the memories made! However, there is one haunting thing sure to follow you and the kids home this year….. Sugar!

Sugar consumption without proper dental hygiene comes with some unsuspecting hazards, sure to have you and the kids in a panic. No one wants to be in aching pain, which is why we’re here to help you get through these upcoming sugar-filled holidays. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be afraid of! We’ve prepared a list of tips and tricks to help you have a healthy smile this Halloween:

1. CHOOSE WISELY

Avoid consuming treats that are sticky or hard, such as caramels and hard candies. These types of candies will allow bacteria in the mouth to produce more acid, which will, in turn, cause tooth decay.

2. SET UP A CANDY BANK

Monitor the amount of candy your child consumes by setting up a “candy bank”. Allow your child to make daily withdrawals and monitor the progress.

3. EAT A HEALTHY MEAL FIRST

Before you head out on Halloween, have your child eat a healthy and filling meal. Getting this nutrition beforehand will not only benefit your child’s health but give them less temptation to overdo their candy cravings.

4. LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF TIME SUGAR IS IN CONTACT WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEETH

When buying candy, look for treat’s that can be eaten quickly. Discard hard and sticky candies after Halloween as they increase the period of time in which teeth are exposed to sugar. Encourage your child to drink water after they eat a piece of candy and to perform thorough tooth brushing.

5. USE FLUORIDE TO FIGHT CAVITIES

Fluoride can dramatically reduce the damage caused by tooth decay. Cavity prevention is critical to ensuring you and your child’s teeth are healthy and happy. Using fluoridated toothpaste and other fluoride products are a good choice.

Make sure you stay on top of your child’s dental health this Halloween by following these tips and tricks for a healthy smile. Although the guilty pleasure is there, it’s important to follow the necessary steps to help your child maintain a healthy mouth when they consume candy this season. Schedule your child’s cleaning after Halloween to ensure your child’s teeth are sugar-free! You can request your appointment online or give us a call at (517)618-0987. Have a safe and happy Halloween this year!