Why Having a Dental Exam After Halloween is a Must
Halloween is usually celebrated on 31st October. However, this holiday usually extends well over to the next weekend. During this time, grown-ups get to wear unique costumes, while children get to eat a lot of candy. Candy is sweet, we can agree to that, but unfortunately, it encourages cavities more than anything.
The sugar in these treats build-up on one’s teeth and can eat through the enamel, leading to cavities. We want you to take this opportunity and ensure your children’s teeth are healthy this Halloween. You will do that by doing the following.
Choose the Perfect Treats for Halloween
There are many options for Halloween treats, and one of the best is chocolate. Dark chocolate is perfect, to be specific. In most cases, any child will love some chocolate on Halloween.
Minimize Sticky Sweets
Taffy and caramel are pretty popular during the holiday, but it may not be the best option for your kid’s oral health. If they have to take them, brush their teeth after about 30 minutes to prevent cavities.
Give Out the Treats after Mealtime
While we eat, our mouths have to produce saliva. The saliva is important as it can help wash away the damaging sugar from the candies. Alternatively, you can give your children sugarless chewing gums before the treats. Chewing gum also helps produce more saliva in the mouth. Make sure that your children take healthy foods before they start enjoying the treats.
Give the Treats in Moderation
Candies encourage the formation of plaque and unnecessary gain of weight. As a parent, the last thing you want is your child becoming overweight or losing her beautiful teeth. That’s why it is paramount that you give out these treats in moderation. Only give them the necessary amount. For example, you can give the oldest more and the youngest the least.
Reduce Sugary Drinks
The main reason that makes sweets a threat to oral health is because they contain a lot of sugar. Well, taking sugary drinks such as soda, flavored water, and sugary beverages is not any better. Try to limit their usage as much as possible.
Drink Enough Water
Water helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and can wash away some food that remains on the enamel. Additionally, it helps clean both the gums and teeth. Be sure that your children take enough of it this Halloween.
Visit the Dentist after the Holiday
In as much as you can be careful, it’s a fun holiday! One way or another, you will forget following the above measures, and that will put your kid’s teeth at risk. Here are three main reasons why you should visit the dentist after the Halloween holiday.
Sugar is the Enemy of Teeth
It’s relatively easy to stay away from sugar up until September. However, once Halloween is with us, it becomes quite challenging to avoid it, even for adults. Our mouths produce bacteria to help break down food. When the bacteria meet with sugar from the candies, they form acids. These acids attack the enamel, leading to cavities.
You may be able to get rid of the sugar, but you can never be sure of getting all of it out. That’s why a post-Halloween dental check-up should be in your plans. The dentist will conduct a professional dental cleaning to get rid of all the sugar build-ups. The procedure is fast and will not cost you a lot.
Many People Forget to Maintain their Oral Routine
When the sugar intake is high, you should brush your teeth even more times. During Halloween, the sugar intake is usually high, but the same cannot be said for brushing and flossing. It is not uncommon for kids to skip brushing and flossing during Halloween. During that time, the sugar builds up and encourages plaque formation. That’s why it is crucial to have a dental exam after the holiday.
Some Sweets Are More ‘Harmful’ than Others
Most people think that all sugar in sweets is the same, but that’s not the case. Some candies are slightly worse than others. Your dentist can help you choose the ‘safest’ candies for the holidays.
Kids First Dental (Greenwood)
If you need a pediatric dentist in Greenwood, Dr. Sal Livreri is here for you. We will help your child grow cavity-free, and this Halloween, we will ensure her teeth are not at risk. Book an appointment now.