Admit it: you love your child’s Halloween treats just as much as they do. The moment you return to your home, you can’t wait to spill out the contents of the bucket and enjoy a few small pieces of sugary goodness. If you stick to eating it in moderation, you’ll likely be fine; however, the moment you realize you’ve demolished half the bucket, you and your teeth might be in trouble. Before the day arrives for your child to put on their costume and make their rounds around the neighborhood, here are 4 useful Halloween candy tips to remember when you get back home.
Continue to Brush and Floss
Before going to bed the night after trick or treating, it’s important that you and your child practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth. Not only will this remove the sugar from your teeth and gums, but it will prevent harmful bacteria from feeding off the contents of those candy bars and creating opportunities for tooth decay and gum disease to develop.
Remember to brush for a full two minutes and floss to remove the sugar and food debris from in-between your teeth. It will also be beneficial to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash, as this will wash away anything left behind brushing and flossing missed.
Donate What is Left
While this might upset your child, it is best if you both select the candies you enjoy most and donate the rest. There are numerous programs and organizations that accept candy donations, especially those that send care packages to servicemen and women overseas. It might also be possible that your dentist offers a “take back” program for children who wish to turn in their candy. So, instead of allowing the giant bowl of sugar to sit in the kitchen, keep in mind that if it’s not there, you won’t be tempted to eat it.
Stick to Chocolate, Not Gummy Treats
Depending on your preference, this might be a welcome tip. Candies such as gummy bears, caramel, or sour treats are probably some of the worst items you can consume. The reason is that because of its stickiness, the contents can remain on your teeth for much longer, allowing bacteria to grab hold and begin its work to burrow into the enamel and create holes (cavities).
Keep Your Dental Appointments
There’s no better time to schedule a dentist appointment than around the holidays. Not only will it help you stay on track with your oral health, but it will ensure you are taking the necessary steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy even in the midst of the most sugar consuming time of the year.
No one is saying you can’t enjoy your sweets, but just remember that everything is fine in moderation. Too much of a “good” thing is bad, so make sure to follow these suggested tips, so you and your child can enjoy a healthy mouth this holiday season.
About the Author
Dr. Erick Anderson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Willamette University before going on to achieve his dental degree from Oregon Health Sciences University in 1994. Eight years later, he began his private practice in Colorado Springs and has been helping residents maintain healthy, beautiful smiles ever since. Using state-of-the-art equipment and providing world-class dental care, Dr. Anderson continually stays abreast of the latest advancements in the field. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (719) 593-0988.