Halloween is the year’s second most popular holiday for a reason. It’s a time when both children and adults alike get to dress up in their favorite costumes while indulging in sugary treats.
However, this is also the time when parents should be extra vigilant when it comes to their children’s oral health. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to gingivitis, tartar, and tooth decay. At Arcade Dental in Pharr, our pediatric dentists have a few tips on how to keep your kid’s oral health in check during this sugary month.
Our Kids Dentists Recommend Practicing Moderation
Your child is likely to receive sugary treats throughout the month of October, not just on the day of Halloween. Just because your child receives these treats does not mean they need to eat them right away or in one sitting. In fact, they should not be eating candy on a daily basis.
Rationing your children’s candy allows you to control their sugar intake. It also informs you when they should brush, as we recommend brushing immediately after consuming sugary treats or as soon as possible. Additionally, by rationing their candy, you have treats they can look forward to for many months to come. After all, treats are called treats for a reason.
Our Kids Dentists Recommend Choosing Better Options
The kind of treats your child eats makes a difference. Obviously, healthy options such as microwave popcorn or cheese sticks are ideal. But let’s face it, how many kids want to eat popcorn or cheese sticks on Halloween?
Non-sticky treats such as dark chocolates are more tooth friendly because they quickly leave the mouth. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can stop bacteria from sticking to teeth, thus helping fight gum infections and tooth decay.
On the other hand, sticky treats such as gummies, caramel, or taffy are more likely to get stuck in the grooves and crevices of the teeth, leading to harmful bacteria in your child’s mouth. It is best to avoid these options.
Come to Our Pharr Dental Office for a Checkup
In addition to the precautions you take for your child’s oral health this Halloween, it is also important to bring them in to see our pediatric dentists for a check up afterwards. Our friendly, professional staff is here to make sure your child maintains great oral health throughout the holiday season. If you live in Pharr, Mission, McAllen, Hidalgo, San Juan, or Edinburg, contact our dental office today to set up an appointment.
