Halloween Teeth Care

It's the time of year when your children get to eat all the candy they want, right? Here are some tips to prevent tooth problems this Halloween, and year round.

1. Monitor candy consumption: On Halloween night, let your kids have more freedom with candy consumption, that way, they will be more willing to accept restrictions in the coming days. Allow only a few pieces of candy and it's okay for them to eat it quickly; the longer it takes candy to be eaten, the longer the sugar stays in the mouth.
2. Be choosy: Be careful of jaw-breaker candy or taffy that might pose choking hazards or damage braces. Also, make sure the candy wrappers have not been tampered with.
3. Remember Sugar free is not always best: You might think that sugar-free candy is safe for teeth, but the chemical sweeteners that are used instead can be harmful, and can have side effects such as bloating and diarrhea (livestrong.com) especially to small children.
4. Brush and floss: After the candy has been consumed, make sure your kids brush their teeth. Don't brush teeth right away, wait until the candy residue has cleared, then brush. If they brush immediately most of the hard or chewy candy will still be stuck in their teeth and probably won't come right off.
5. Apply sealants: Molars often have deep crevices that cannot be cleaned, even with the best brushing. Tooth colored sealants are offered that cover the crevices in teeth and prevent cavities and plaque buildup.