Halloween is right around the corner. As you prepare for the festive day with creative costumes and fun decorations, your child looks forward to a night of overindulging on candy and sweet treats. While it may only be one day, too much candy can lead to tummy aches and future cavities. Do not let it lead to bad news at their next dental appointment. Your pediatric dentist in Northampton has simple tips to protect your child’s smile and their wellness.
Healthy Halloween Smile
Every child looks forward to Halloween, but it is a potentially hazardous day for their oral health. Eating large amounts of candy and treats can begin the process of enamel erosion, which can lead to the detection of a cavity during their next cleaning and checkup. To ensure their smile stays healthy, there are a few important tips to follow.
- Be Picky About Candy
Not all candies are created equally. Some are more likely to lead to cavities than others. Those that are gummy or chewy tend to stick in the crevasses of the teeth, like the back molars. This makes it difficult to remove them. They will sit there and eat away at their enamel. A safer option for their smile is chocolates or powdered candies because they can be rinsed away easier.
- Limit Candy
If you let your child, they will eat all their candy in one night, but that is never a good idea. Instead, give them have a few pieces and then place the rest in the freezer. A couple of times each week, allow them to have one or two pieces until their stash is gone. When giving them candy, timing is everything. It is best to have it with a meal because food helps remove harmful sugars from their teeth.
- Drink Up
Have your child drink plenty of water throughout the evening. Not only will it keep them hydrated, but it will also cleanse the teeth in between brushing.
- Brush and Floss
When the evening is over, it can be a rush to get your child in bed for the night. While it may be a bit chaotic, make the time to have them brush and floss their teeth well before going to sleep.
- Snack Smart
Give your child healthy alternatives to candy. Apple slices, grapes, or low-fat cheese are great compromises to a piece of candy.
Protect Your Child’s Smile
Do not let a night of overindulging place your child’s smile at risk. A proactive approach throughout the evening will help ward off tooth decay for great news at their next dental appointment.
About Northampton Pediatric Dentistry PC
Northampton Pediatric Dentistry PC strives to provide families with the dental services they need to develop and maintain healthy smiles. With a focus on prevention, we work to keep teeth cavity-free. If your child needs a cleaning and checkup, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
