Every Fall kids of all ages anxiously wait for Halloween. A big question Dr. Rene Tanquilut is asked time and time again by concerned parents is how to reduce the “sugary” effects of eating all that Halloween candies.
Let’s face it, kids will be kids and they all will be anxious to eat the candies that they collected during their annual Halloween trip around the neighborhood. Sweets and candies are great treats for kids, when taken in moderation; however, in excess they aren’t good for children’s oral health nor their organ systems. Sugar consumption without proper dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Halloween is a great time for both parents and children to learn new dental hygiene practices to maintain their dental health throughout the year.
Dental Tips for Halloween
By following the dental tips for Halloween below, parents can help prevent tooth decay for their children while teaching them good dental hygiene habits:
- Be selective. Not all Halloween treats are bad for kids. Dr. Rene Tanquilut recommends that parents let their kids eat candies that melt fast and can be eaten quickly. It’s always a good idea to avoid gooey and sticky sweets like caramels that can linger and stick to teeth for long time.
- Brushing. Be sure that your children brush their teeth soon after eating any sugary candies. Brushing will lessen the amount of time the sugar stays in contact with the teeth and will help prevent tooth decay.
- Remove the excess candies. It is always a good idea to not leave Halloween candies around the house after the Halloween is over to limit consumption.
- Limit consumption. Limit the number of candies you and child consume in a day. A better idea is to hold back candies and eat one or two pieces as after meal treat. Then have your children immediately brush their teeth to neutralize the sugar.
- Chew gum! Xylitol, a fluoride like substance in sugarless Trident White gum can help remineralize any initial acidic breakdown of enamel.
- Eat a balanced meal. Be sure that your children eat well balanced meal prior to their trip around the neighborhood to limit their candy consumption.
- Routine dental exam. Be sure to visit Randallwood Dental every six months to prevent dental problems and catch any problems as early as possible.
If you and you children don’t maintain your teeth properly, you may be opening yourself up to tooth decay, gum disease, and possibly tooth loss over time. Properly caring for your teeth, visiting your dentist regularly, and following the 7 tips above can help you and your family keep healthy smiles and enjoy the Halloween festivities. Candy is not necessarily the enemy; the enemy is not maintaining diligent dental hygiene protocols. As always visit Dr. Rene Tanquilut and his team at Randallwood Dental regularly for dental examinations and professional teeth cleanings.
Need to schedule your and your child’s six month dental appointment? Call Randallwood Dental Today!
Routine dental exam is the best way to prevent cavities and detect serious dental problems including gum disease and oral cancer. Be sure to schedule your next dental appointment with Dr. Rene Tanquilut at Randallwood Dental. Call us today at (630) 280-3774 or via the contact form on our website at www.randallwooddental.comto schedule your next appointment. Our office is conveniently located to serve patients in the St Charles, Geneva, South Elgin and Batavia areas.