We all know that Halloween is a time for pumpkins, costumes, a few tricks & lots of sweet treats. Our office has put together a quick list of things you can do to help keep your kids (& your own) teeth safe from an invasion of sugar bugs this frightening season.
Limit Candy Consumption – We know it’s tasty, but the sugar in candy speeds up the breakdown of enamel which can cause tooth decay & cavities.
The Quicker the Better – The faster candy is consumed, the less amount of time the teeth are exposed to acid. This doesn’t mean it should be eaten in one night, but encourage short spans of candy eating time versus snacking all day.
BRUSH & FLOSS – This one is the most obvious & most important. Brushing & flossing will help clean your child’s teeth and protect them from prolonged acid exposure. Be sure to avoid brushing for about 30 min after candy consumption to avoid damage to enamel surfaces.
Watch Out for Braces – Children in orthodontic appliances are at an increased risk for harm if eating things that are hard or very sticky. It is best to avoid these types of candies to prevent broken brackets or other costly repairs.
If you or your child are looking forward to gathering lots of goodies this month, be sure to keep these helpful tips in mind! Keep those smiles looking BOO-tiful!