With Halloween rapidly approaching, you’re probably spending your free time doing festive things, like putting up spooky décor and helping your child pick out their costume. However, there is no denying what this fang-tastic holiday is really all about: candy. Lots and lots of candy. Unfortunately, these sweet treats can do some serious damage to your child’s teeth, negatively impacting both the look and function of their smile. That’s why we’re sharing a quick candy guide to avoid cavities after Halloween.
Why Is Candy Bad for Your Child’s Teeth?
When it comes to cavity causers, candy is one of the biggest culprits. That’s because the sugar inside turns into enamel-eroding acid when it interacts with the bacteria in your mouth. Your child is particularly vulnerable to dental problems, like tooth decay, because they are still learning how to properly brush and floss their teeth. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance that you help them exercise moderation and stick to the “best” treats.
The Best Treats for Your Child’s Teeth
When sifting through the seemingly endless amount of candy in your child’s Halloween bag at the end of the night, encourage them to stick to treats that have chocolate, are sugar-free, or contain nuts (if they aren’t allergic, of course). While chocolate easily rinses from their teeth, candies with nuts contain some added protein and help remove lingering food particles. Sugar-free options are ideal for the obvious reason: they significantly decrease your child’s chances of developing cavities!
The Worst Treats for Your Child’s Teeth
Like everything in life, moderation is key. While it’s okay to indulge now and again, it’s best to help your child avoid gummy, sour, and hard candies. Each of these has the potential to damage their smile, whether it’s a cracked tooth from biting into a lollipop or a decayed tooth from the acidic nature of sour candies. So, encourage them to swap out these treats for the ones listed above. Their smile will thank you for it!
Avoiding candy during the Halloween season is pretty much impossible. Fortunately, using the above guide will help your child indulge in a piece or two without seriously damaging their smile!
About the Practice
At Hill Avenue Dental, we are proud to have two exceptional dentists leading our team. Both Dr. Doug Clark, Jr. and Dr. Douglas Clark III have extensive training and an undeniable passion for dentistry, a combination that allows them to provide the absolute best care for kids, teens, and adults. Plus, our meticulous dental checkups will catch cavities in the early stages, ensuring that any damage from too much candy is caught and treated sooner rather than later. So, if you or your little one are overdue for your six-month appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 715-392-5161.