Happy Halloween! Tooth-Friendly Tips For Your Spooky Adventure
Happy Halloween! As your family dives into the spooky season, it’s crucial to keep in mind the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene, especially for children. Halloween is a time of fun and fright, but the excess sugar can lead to a scary aftermath in the form of cavities in children. But fear not; Simcoe Kids Dental is here to provide you with some tooth-friendly tips for your spooky adventure. (Source: Canadian Dental Association, Helpful Tips for Healthy Smiles at Halloween, http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/halloween.asp ).
Healthy Halloween Tips
Have a game plan
The Canadian Dental Association advises parents to plan a route that limits children’s trick-or-treating time and thereby limits their candy haul. “Simcoe Kids Dental supports this approach, as a controlled environment will help prevent excessive sugar consumption, which is a leading cause of cavities in children. But remember, Halloween is all about fun and making memories, so balance is key.”
Eat treats (only) with a meal
The Association suggests that treats should be eaten with meals or shortly after mealtime. “This is because the production of saliva increases during meals. This saliva helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria and rinse away food particles. As such, at Simcoe Kids Dental, we recommend that kids eat their treats as a dessert following a meal to help protect their teeth.”
Use a small bag and ditch non-favorites
A small bag will help to limit the amount of candy your child collects. “We also encourage children to remove any candies they don’t really enjoy. Less candy means less exposure to sugar, hence reducing the risk of cavities and making kids’ dental cleaning a much simpler task.”
The right fit
Wearing a well-fitted costume can prevent accidents. “This isn’t just good advice for general safety, but also for oral health. Falls could cause injuries to a child’s mouth and teeth.”
Avoid masks
Masks can obstruct vision and make trick-or-treating unsafe. “At Simcoe Kids Dental, we also want to emphasize that some masks can promote mouth breathing, which can significantly dry out the mouth and reduce saliva’s beneficial effects. Opt for non-obstructive, safe costume choices.”
Check your treats
Parents should inspect treats for choking hazards or tampering before kids begin to eat. “Remember to check for hard candies or sweets that stick to the teeth for a long time, as these can contribute to tooth decay. During your children’s dental checkup, your dentist can provide more personalized advice for this fun-filled season.”
Set a treat time
Limiting treats to specific times can help reduce the chance of cavities. “Setting a treat time not only curtails sugar exposure but also establishes discipline in kids’ oral hygiene practices. Regular schedules make it easier to remember to brush and floss after treat time.”
Eat a balanced meal
A good meal prior to parties or trick-or-treating can discourage overeating candies. “It’s crucial to remember that balanced meals contribute to healthier teeth and gums. Kids’ oral hygiene is not just about cleaning the teeth but also nourishing them properly.”
Brush, floss, rinse
Remind your little ones to complete their oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing their teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and rinsing with a mouthwash. “Consistency in these practices is key to preventing cavities and maintaining oral health. We highly recommend these habits be fostered from a young age during kids’ dental cleaning sessions. Keep in mind flossing and mouthwash should be implemented when age-appropriate. For example, flossing should be implemented once the teeth touch. Mouth rinses should be used after the age of 6, as your child will have the ability to know when to spit.”
Have fun!
Of course, enjoy the festivities. “At Simcoe Kids Dental, we believe in a balanced approach where kids can enjoy Halloween while also learning the importance of oral health.”
Halloween with braces can be sweet
The Canadian Dental Association provides tips for kids with braces to enjoy Halloween. “At Simcoe Kids Dental, we endorse these tips and emphasize that kids with braces need to be extra cautious with hard and sticky candies that can damage the braces and get lodged between them, leading to a higher risk of cavities. A regular children’s dental checkup post-Halloween will ensure their oral health is on track. Let’s make Halloween a fun, safe, and tooth-friendly celebration!”
Remember, maintaining kids’ oral hygiene does not mean abstaining from Halloween fun but rather enjoying it responsibly. At Simcoe Kids Dental, we’re all about ensuring your little ghouls and goblins keep their smiles healthy and bright!
