Halloween sweets don’t have to wreck havoc on the teeth of your little trick-or-treaters. Children can enjoy some Halloween candy and still avoid sugar-related tooth decay. The key to preventing tooth decay lies in limiting the amount of candy children eat, and reducing the time sugar remains in the mouth.
Tips to prevent you children from developing tooth decay
Brushing teeth as soon as possible after eating candy may keep harmful bacteria from developing.
Children and parents can take additional steps to protect their teeth:
• Parents should examine their children’s candy and remove anything they consider unacceptable before allowing their kids to eat it.
• Avoid candy that is too tacky or gummy, which can stick to teeth and cause decay.
• No matter what time of day children eat candy, they should remember to have good dental hygiene.
• Before Halloween rolls around, a dentist can put sealants into the grooves of children’s teeth to protect them against corrosion caused by too much sugar. Ask your pediatric dentist if sealants would be good for your child.
For more information from the American Dental Association, visit www.ada.org
For more health and wellness resources from the pediatric experts at CHOC, sign up for the Kids Health newsletter.
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