It might not feel like it yet, but the summer months are coming to an end. And with the end of the summer, we can all get excited for fall weather and autumn traditions. From going back to school to enjoying the fall leaves, there is a lot to be excited about during the fall. One thing that many kids get excited about is the return of the Halloween season. School parties, fun costumes, and of course candy are all very exciting for kids. But how do you balance enjoying the Halloween treats without letting your child put their teeth and gums at risk? In this article, we will cover the various ways you can help your kids protect their teeth this fall.
Cavities are formed when bacteria in our mouth mixes with sugars and starts eroding our teeth. Because of this, sugary foods like candy are especially dangerous. But one thing to consider is the time it takes for decay to happen. You can limit the damaging effects of sugar if you wash away the candy right after eating it. One of the issues with candy is that chewy or gummy candy can stick to the surface of your teeth for hours after you eat. Drinking water, brushing your teeth, and flossing can remove the candy so it doesn’t sit on the teeth for hours.
One of the ways your kids can protect their teeth is choosing the right time of day to eat candy. For example, having candy before bed, brushing your teeth and then sleeping is much better than eating candy after you brush. One thing to avoid would be eating candy in the middle of the day, especially if you cannot rinse it off your teeth or brush your teeth. For example, if your kid takes candy to school and has it at lunch, it could be hours before they are able to brush their teeth. The amount of candy your child has might not have an effect on their teeth, but you might want to encourage them to limit how much candy they have so they can enjoy their Halloween haul for a few weeks after the holidays. Encouraging them to have candy at night before they brush is the best way to enjoy candy without putting their teeth at risk.
If you live in the Chicago area you can always schedule a visit with the dentist here at one of our five offices. Regular dental visits are the best way to monitor and protect your child’s teeth. Early signs of tooth decay can be found and addressed right away.
