Halloween candy is a sweet treat, but can be a nasty problem for your children’s teeth! Candy brings a lot of smiles, but as you let your children enjoy the special occasion, also be mindful of your child’s oral health.

Did you know that slowly liking a piece of hard candy over several minutes, or slowly sipping a sugary drink can cause even more tooth decay than eating candy or drinking a sweet drink quickly all at once? Long-lasting snacks can cause long-lasting damage to your child’s teeth. Limiting the number of times per day that your child consumes candy can be an easy way to limit the damaging effects of sugar on their teeth.

How to have a safe and healthy Halloween

First, you can choose the right kind of snacks. While candy during Halloween may be unavoidable, look for some sugar-free alternatives and mix in healthy snacks such as cheese, vegetables, peanut butter, yogurt and chocolate milk.

Keep your children hydrated with fresh water during long trips of trick-or-treating. Of course, when you return home, be sure to brush and floss very well. This will help to prevent the sugar from candy causing harmful bacteria in your child’s mouth. Especially after a sweet treat, be sure to help young children with their brushing and flossing to make sure all surfaces on their teeth are clean.

How to take care of your teeth after Halloween

Even with your best efforts, your children will probably enjoy some sugary treats this Halloween. As we’ve discussed, frequently consuming sugary snacks can expose them to tooth decay, so be sure to keep their teeth healthy and strong by visiting your dentist.

Practicing good dental hygiene can allow your child to enjoy the occasional sweet treat and keep them healthy at the same time. Make sure your child brushes and flosses everyday, especially after Halloween. Check your toothpaste to make sure it contains fluoride, and give us a call to make sure that your growing kids are scheduled for their regular dental checkup!

Have a Happy Halloween!!