Have a Fa-BOO-lous Halloween
Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays for children, however, it can play some nasty tricks on their teeth!
Here are a few simple tips to take the FRIGHT out of your night this Halloween.
Choose TREATS Wisely. In general, sugary treats aren’t very good for your teeth, but the good news is some sweets are less spooky than others.
Take a BITE out of chocolate. Chocolates are by far the best option for your FANGS when it comes to candy. Unlike hard, sticky and sour candy, chocolate dissolves quickly and doesn’t stick to your teeth for hours at a time, and is easy to rinse away.
Sugar is the number one ENEMY. Why not opt for sugar-free candy? Sugar-free candy can increase saliva production, which helps wash your mouth clean of bacteria and plaque.
Avoid STICKY Situations. Sticky candy such as skittles, gummy bears and caramels can cling to your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. If you have braces, fillings or crowns, sticky candy can get stuck and break appliances, pull out fillings and crowns, and even fracture teeth!
Sour Candy can be a SPOOKY business. Sour candy contains high levels of acidity that causes damage to the enamel of your teeth. Enamel protects our teeth from decay and sensitivity – once it’s gone, it cannot be restored.
BEWARE of Hard Candy. Sucking on hard candy for a long period of time is bad for your teeth as they are exposed to sugar for an extended period of time. This increases your chances for tooth decay. In addition, little teeth biting down on hard candy can also lead to chips, cracks or other damage.
Avoid MONSTER Drinks. As your children will already be indulging in enough sweet treats, be cautious of sugary beverages such as juice and soft drinks. Water is the best option to hydrate little mouths – especially while eating sugary treats – and has the added benefit of washing away residual food and sugars to help prevent cavities from forming.
Don’t Get TRICKED. Stay on top of your brushing. Be sure to brush after mealtime and before going to bed for at least two minutes.
