Enjoy Halloween Candies While Caring for Your Smile

For kids, Halloween is an anticipated day of the year. Sweet treats are everywhere and for free. It's an exciting occasion for everyone, even adults, but too much sugary goodies can harm the teeth.

Harmful bacteria in the mouth feed off sugar and starch. They turn into plaque, combine with acids, and attack the enamel. Enamel is strong, but high acidity can break it down.

It's fine for kids to eat candy now and then. But excessive consumption, combined with poor dental care, can lead to tartar buildup, cavities, and tooth decay.

So, should we skip the Halloween fun?

Caring for your child's smile doesn't mean missing out on the Halloween parties and trick-or-treat activities. They can still take part, with your guidance.

After all, bountiful sweets aside, Halloween is also about sharing and getting to know your neighbors better.

Instead of keeping your child away from the festivities, sit down with them and sort goodie bags together. Educate them on the different kinds of sweets and how too much intake can affect their teeth.

Make plans so they can still enjoy their haul without compromising dental care.

How Halloween goodies can affect the teeth

Here are common Halloween goodies and how munching without control can harm the teeth.

• Hard candies. One wrong bite of hard candy can lead to fractured, chipped, or cracked teeth. Severe damage can result in heightened sensitivity and may also warrant a dental emergency. Also, these candies tend to be kept in the mouth for a long time until they shrink. This extends the exposure of the teeth to sugar.
• Gummy candies. Gummy and sticky candies cling to the teeth and can be tough to remove. As they linger on the surfaces of the teeth, they also buy more time for the harmful bacteria and acids to wreak havoc. If your children love gum, consider giving them sugarless gum.
• Sour candies. Sour candies can be highly acidic. They can weaken the enamel and make it more vulnerable to erosion. Too much of these goodies also makes the teeth more susceptible to cavities because they’re often dipped or coated in sugar.

You can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy

Eating candy is part of the Halloween tradition, so your child doesn’t have to miss it. Here are some tips to protect their teeth:

• Keep floss handy. Since some candies are sticky, it helps to reach for a piece of floss after eating. Flossing can keep clingy deposits out of the mouth, especially in the tight spaces between teeth.
• Drink plenty of water. Water can help dislodge debris in the mouth and keep sugar away from the enamel. It also strengthens the enamel, increases moisture levels, and helps neutralize acids in the mouth.
• Brush regularly. Don't forget this number one tip for keeping the teeth strong and healthy. Regular and gentle brushing minimizes plaque and tartar buildup.
• Indulge during meals. Limit your child’s access to sweet treats. Give them a serving during mealtimes when saliva levels are higher. This will help prevent sugar from accumulating on the teeth.
• Avoid grazing. Avoid stocking up on sugary goodies, as this can lead to impulsive or excessive snacking. And children aren't the only ones drawn to sweets; adults in your household may find themselves snacking on them all day too.

Get your smiles set for the Holiday sweets and festivities

The holiday season can be hectic. Your routine dental hygiene cleanings and checkups might not be on your priority list. But you need them even more as your teeth are bound to work harder.

Keep your smile ready for the merrymaking season, and avoid tending to a sore tooth. Remember: Your dental team isn't against sweets. They're all about protecting your oral health so you can indulge in these goodies for longer.

If you're looking to book your family's dental appointment in Peace River, Alberta, contact us at Wing Dental. We're happy to help you find a convenient time so you don't miss out on your holiday plans.