There’s nothing more fun for kids this time of year than dressing up and getting candy just by asking for it — but coming home with bags full of sweets can have a negative effect on your child’s smile later on. It doesn’t have to, though, with a little effort on your end. Keep reading for top tips from your family dentist in Superior on how to avoid the detrimental effects of candy overconsumption. We’ve got everything you need to know to enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy Halloween!
#1: Make a Game Plan
On Halloween night, have your family sit down over a nutritious meal and set out a game plan for trick or treating. How much candy are they allowed to take? Can they eat any as they trick or treat, or should they wait until they are back at home? How many houses will you hit up? What will you do with the candy after? Having these questions out in the open can help your child feel a little calmer when all the excitement starts.
#2: Lay Some Ground Rules
Right after the big haul, your little one will probably want to keep their candy close by — like in their rooms or where they watch TV. But limiting the candy to a particular Candy Friendly Zone (like the kitchen) can help to limit binge/mindless eating. You may also want to consider freezing half of the candy for later on, too.
#3: Choose Carefully
It would be unrealistic to expect your child not to eat any candy this time of year, but you can outlaw some of the most hazardous kinds from the start. Toffee, caramel goodies, and other extremely sticky/crunchy sweets can put your little one at-risk of breaking or damaging a tooth. When they come home from trick-or-treating, quickly remove these from the haul to keep their smile safe.
#4: Time It Right
The mouth generates more saliva during meals than snacks, and saliva is crucial for washing away food particles and plaque which can lead to cavities and other oral health hazards. To protect your family’s smiles, encourage everyone to make any sweet indulgences right after meals rather than grazing throughout the day. And don’t forget to brush and floss the teeth soon after!
#5: Visit the Dentist
Patients of all ages should visit the dentist at least twice a year — so if it’s been a while since you and your loved ones last had your smiles seen about, why not book a checkup and cleaning after Halloween is over? You’ll love knowing your favorite teeth are healthy and clean after the sweetest of holidays.
To conclude, most people’s oral health is skating on thin ice during October, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Follow these tips closely and you can enjoy a healthy and fun Halloween season.
Meet the Practice
Hill Avenue Dental offers comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. This time of year, they welcome children and parents alike for post-Halloween checkups and cleanings! To book yours, you are invited to contact your dentist in Superior by calling the office at (715) 392-5161.