Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children. Getting dressed up and walking through the neighborhood with friends collecting candy from every house is always a fun experience. Kids often return home with a pile of candy that they may snack on for the next few weeks or longer. As a parent, you may be thrilled to see your children giddy about having so much candy in front of them, but you also may be concerned about the impact that so much sugar could have on their teeth. When sugar remains on teeth, it ultimately can lead to tooth decay. Now is the time to follow a few steps so that your kids’ teeth are prepared for the upcoming sugar rush.
Purchase New Toothbrushes
Many parents overlook the importance of replacing toothbrushes on a regular basis. When toothbrushes are old, their bristles may be less effective at doing their intended job. Before your children open their first candy wrapper on Halloween, update their toothbrushes. You may even purchase a battery-operated toothbrush that may be more effective at removing sugar, plaque and other elements from the teeth.
Schedule a Routine Dental Hygiene Exam
A routine dental hygiene exam includes a professional teeth cleaning service and fluoride treatment. If it has been more than six months since your child’s last dental exam, now is the time to schedule an appointment. While you could schedule some general dentistry care before Halloween, it may be just as effective to wait until a week or two after Halloween. By doing so, the dentist can remove sugary residue and plaque buildup related to eating so much candy.
Encourage Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
Regardless of the season, teaching your children the basic for good oral hygiene is essential. If you do not currently brush twice a day, floss and use mouthwash, you may want to adjust your habits so that you are a positive role model to them. In addition, monitor your children to ensure that they are completing all oral hygiene tasks well and on a regular basis. Some older kids slack off in this area when parents stop overseeing the activities, so keep a close eye on your children’s hygiene efforts regardless of their age throughout this season.
Candy and Halloween go hand-in-hand, but cavities do not have to follow suit. Sugar can have a huge and detrimental impact on teeth, but you can take these important steps to protect your children’s teeth as much as possible.