Halloween is a favorite holiday for many young children. The evening is full of spooky decorations, fun costumes, and yummy sweets. While it is a very exciting day, it does come with a risk—tooth decay. Overindulgence on candy and sweets can increase your child’s risk for developing a cavity. However, your pediatric dentist in Northampton has several tips to help ensure that their smile stays healthy this Halloween.
Choose Chocolate
Your child will receive a plethora of candy. While you may think that they are all the same, there are certain ones that can increase your child’s risk for tooth decay more than others. Those that are sticky tend to cling to the teeth and they are hard to remove. Even if they brush and floss, they may not be able to remove the accumulations from the crevasses of the teeth. As a result, it will stay there, slowly eating away at the enamel until a cavity forms.
Instead of chewy and sticky candies, it is better to choose chocolates and those that melt away easily. These tend to leave less residue on the teeth. In addition, it is best to avoid those that are overly hard, which can lead to a broken tooth if your child bites on them.
Create a Healthy Plan
Your child will likely eat a lot of candy during the evening, but they will still likely have plenty of candy left over. During the next few days, limit their consumption to one or two pieces after dessert. Do not use it as a reward system to prevent them from eating too much.
Brush and Floss
After they have had their candy, be sure to have them brush and floss their teeth immediately afterward, especially before going to bed. Encourage them to pay extra attention when cleaning hard to reach places, like the back molars. In addition to brushing, they need to take the time to floss in between each tooth. Young children may have difficulty with traditional floss and may find a dental flosser a bit easier.
Don’t Pack Candy in Lunches
Your child will likely beg you to take a couple of pieces of candy to school with them for their lunch. Despite their pleas, do not give in. Stick to your candy plan to only have it after dinner and not as a snack.
Protect Their Teeth
This Halloween, as you prepare for an evening of trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins, take the time to create a plan to protect your child’s teeth from cavities. With a proactive approach, your entire family can enjoy the festivities without having to worry about unhealthy smiles.
About Northampton Pediatric Dentistry
At Northampton Pediatric Dentistry, we cater to young smiles. We provide comprehensive care with a gentle approach to develop and maintain healthy teeth and gums that will last for a lifetime. If you have any questions about protecting your child’s teeth this Halloween, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
