As Halloween approaches, your children are bubbling with excitement at the chance of dressing in their favorite costumes and collecting sweet candy treats. While these are fun moments for your kids where beautiful memories will be etched in time, your children’s dentist in Pasadena reminds you to protect your little ones’ mouth, teeth and gums from the Halloween sugar invasion. Read on to learn some valuable tips that will help in your quest!
What’s the Problem with Sugar?
The issue with sugar is it’s the food of choice of bacteria. When candy is eaten, the bacteria feed on any leftover sugar. They then begin to grow and multiply, eventually forming plaque – a sticky, clear and acidic substance that is corrosive.
Thankfully, there are ways for your children to enjoy the Halloween festivities without being subjected to tooth decay.
Brush Immediately!
One very simple remedy for stopping the growth of bacteria is to have your children brush immediately after consuming candy. The agitation of the toothbrush helps to remove leftover particles from the teeth and along the gumline.
For even greater protection, be sure your children also floss. The flexible material is able to get in the really tight spaces between their teeth to remove more debris.
Create a Sugar Schedule
If it were up to your children, they would probably eat candy all day, but you know how detrimental it could be to their oral health. That’s why it’s important to establish a sugar schedule. Sit down with your little ones to establish what time of the day will be designated for snacking on their candy.
This will help to control the amount of sugar in their mouths, which lessens the chances of cavity development.
Are Your Kids Drinking Enough Water?
Not only is water vital for survival, but it also helps to bathe the teeth to help remove leftover food particles. Encourage your children to drink at least a glass of water after consuming candy to help wash away the debris.
Schedule a Dentist Visit
A final way to make Halloween a safer occasion is to schedule one of the family’s semi-annual visits around the same time. These appointments serve the following purposes:
- Leaves you with the peace-of-mind of knowing your children are protected.
- Provides your kids with thorough cleanings
- Allows the dentist to check for signs of any cavities or other oral health issues
- Gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have on how to improve your children’s oral health
Halloween is a fun time of the year, but you want to make sure your kiddos are treated with enjoyment and not tricked into cavities. To protect their oral health, contact your family dentist in Pasadena to schedule a visit today!
About the Author
Dr. Kimber Holmes earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston and has since gone on to provide top-notch dental care for over 20 years. Still, she remains driven to learn more, which is why she takes continuing education courses. Dr. Holmes enjoys educating and providing care for children at Pasadena Family Dentistry, and she can be reached for more information through her website.