Children Dental Tips for Halloween

Scare cavities away with these useful oral hygiene tips

• Trick cavities by choosing the right treats. The best treats are those that can be easily brushed or washed away from teeth by saliva or water. Options include sugarless/low-in-sugar candies and chocolate.
• Avoid treats that are sticky, chewy or hard. Treats that cling to teeth such as gummy candy provide nourishment for plaque-causing bacteria that cause cavities. Treats that are difficult to chew, such as hard candy, may damage teeth and in some cases can crack a tooth. Avoid these types of treats particularly if your child has braces, because candy residues can become trapped between teeth and wires.
• Limit sweets intake to keep cavities in check. Constant snacking on candy cause tooth enamel to be continuously exposed to acids produced by the bacteria inside the mouth. Remember that sweets should be a treat and not part of every day eating. Every sugar dose equals about 20 minutes of a plaque attack so remember to brush or drink plenty of water after eating sugary treats.
• Brush for at least two minutes twice a day, everyday. This is particularly important if your child eats candy before going to bed because the dry environment of the mouth at night is an ideal playground for plaque. Make brushing fun by choosing fluoride toothpaste in your child’s favorite flavor, playing a favorite song while brushing or rewarding children with stickers for every good brushing.
• Floss your way to better teeth. Flossing removes plaque that can’t be removed by brushing alone from under the gum line and between your teeth. Flossing before brushing loosens the plaque and debris, which allows it to be brushed away easily. Check with a dentist to determine when children should begin flossing.