It’s a common misconception that sugar causes cavities, but that’s only partially true. Cavities are actually caused by plaque, a sticky substance on the teeth that is created by a form of bacteria in the mouth. When you eat sugary foods, plaque turns the sugar into acids that erode the teeth’s enamel. This attack on the teeth can last for up to twenty minutes! If your children aren’t taught the proper ways to prevent these attacks, they can lead to cavities over time.
After enjoying all of the Halloween festivities this October your kids are bound to have loads of sugary, plaque-feeding treats on their hands. Don’t be tricked into thinking that limiting their candy intake is enough – the best way to fight cavities is to be mindful of when your kids are eating their treats and making sure that they are engaging in preventive measures that will decrease the risk of tooth decay.
Practice these simple habits to help your children enjoy their Halloween candy while still preventing cavities:
Limit chewy and sticky treats: Separate your child’s candy and pull out those that are sticky or gooey. These treats should be eaten less often, as candies that require a lot of chewing or that will get stuck between your child’s teeth extend the amount of time that the teeth are exposed to sugar. Solid chocolates are a better alternative, as these can be eaten quickly and will not leave as much sugar behind in the mouth.
Only allow your kids to pick out a treat after mealtime: After eating a meal, there is a lot of saliva left in the mouth. This saliva can help to wash away some of the sugar that is sitting on the teeth. You can also serve your child a glass of water with their candy to wash away even more sugar.
Give your child a fun new toothbrush in their Halloween goodie bag: Getting your children to brush their teeth every time they eat candy can be a challenge. Consider purchasing the kids a new colorfully designed toothbrush for Halloween to help make brushing fun. Some toothbrushes are musical.
Halloween is a great time to encourage good oral hygiene behavior, but don’t let it end there! Adopting these dental care practices will benefit your children all year long. It’s important to remember that cavity prevention is more about reducing the time that teeth are exposed to sugar than it is about reducing the amount of sugar consumed. With these easy tricks your children can enjoy their treats without suffering the negative consequences of tooth decay.