Children’s Dentist in Far North Dallas Gives Helpful Halloween Tips

With the fall season comes changing tree colors, family gatherings, and Halloween celebrations! Considering that Halloween has such a large emphasis on candy, it can be difficult to ask your child to avoid it. Candy is one of the worst foods out there for teeth, but there are ways to enjoy it responsibly.

To help protect your child from cavities by the winter season, consider these essential tips from a children’s dentist in Far North Dallas!

Know the Candies to Avoid

While all candy is bad for teeth, there are certain varieties that you should avoid at all cost if you care about maintaining your child’s oral health. Children are at particularly higher risk of cavities than adults, so it’s worth it to keep these treats in mind when you’re going door-to-door. Candies to avoid include:

• Sticky Candies (i.e. taffy, caramel, gummies and bubble gum) – These can easily get stuck and remain on teeth for hours at a time, resulting in a much higher risk of plaque development and inevitably decay.
• Hard Candies (i.e. lollipops, Jolly Ranchers and jawbreakers) – Candies that are designed to be sucked on for long periods of time are some of the worst culprits of tooth decay. Keep these candies to a minimum if you want to avoid cavities.
• Sour Candies (i.e. sour gummies, licorice, or Skittles) – Many candies come in a sour variety, making them far more acidic than their typically sweet counterparts. The more acidic your mouth is, the easier it is for bacteria to move around and develop.

Consume Responsibly

Even though many chocolates and sugar-filled candies are more acceptable than the ones previously mentioned, it’s important to note that the way you consume them matters too. For example, if you’re going to be eating candy all the way until Thanksgiving, make sure to only do so after a meal when saliva production is high. Avoid snacking on candy throughout the day as this is not ideal for your dental health.

Furthermore, it’s imperative that you consume enough water daily to keep your mouth moist and wash away acid and bacteria. After you’ve finished your meal and had some candy, take the time to brush and floss afterwards for additional protection.

Maintain Healthy Habits

Speaking of oral care habits, consider the following to accommodate your sudden increase in chocolate for the month:

• Avoid soda or other sugar-filled beverages (after all, you’re eating candy daily at this point)
• Incorporate foods that promote healthy gums, teeth and saliva production (leafy greens, dairy products, antioxidants and water-filled fruits and vegetables)
• Chew gum with either an ADA Seal of Approval or gum that’s labeled sugar-free. Other good choices include gum made with natural sweeteners like Xylitol.
• Donate candy you wouldn’t otherwise eat anyway; you don’t want to tempt yourself or your other family members. See if the dentist has a candy buy-back program.

Your smile can survive the Halloween season as long as you know the right steps. Schedule an appointment today to learn more helpful advice from a family dentist in Far North Dallas!

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Bear Creek Family Dentistry only hires the most knowledgeable, gentle, caring and friendliest staff in the DFW area. Their wide range of experts are prepared to help you protect and strengthen your teeth for years to come, especially through the holidays. To learn more about Bear Creek, you can contact a dentist via their website.