How to Keep Your Child from Getting Cavities This Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, which means it is almost time for a fun night of trick-or-treating. As your little one dresses up and enjoys spooky decorations, you don’t want the holiday to come back to haunt their smile. Candy can wreak havoc on their dental health because it can lead to tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37% of children under the age of 8 and 58% of teenagers have experienced decay. Thankfully, you can safeguard your child’s smile by following 3 easy tips.

1. Limit Candy and Sweet Treats

Cavities don’t happen overnight, but your child will probably come home with a plentiful candy stash. Indulging on sugary treats for several days or weeks will expose your child’s enamel to cavity-causing bacteria more frequently, which can slowly erode the protective layer of their teeth. 

It is best to limit your child to a couple of pieces of candy and put the remainder away for a special treat later or donate it to a food bank. Your child should eat candy with a meal because it increases saliva production to cleanse their mouth from sugary residue.

2. Brush and Floss Before Bed

Your child will probably be tired after a long night of trick-or-treating, but don’t send them to bed without brushing and flossing. Skipping their nightly oral hygiene routine will allow an acidic plaque created by sugar to sit on their teeth. Since their mouth is warm and moist, oral bacteria can get out of control quickly. 

Ensure they brush for 2 full minutes and floss between each tooth before calling it a night.

3. Stay Hydrated

It is easy for your little one to get dehydrated while trick-or-treating. Not only can it affect their health, but it can also make their mouth dry, which can increase bacteria growth. 

Be sure to have them drink plenty of water to keep them hydrated and their mouth moist.

Your child doesn’t have to miss out on the festivities to protect their pearly whites. With a few precautions, they can enjoy Halloween without worrying about hearing bad news during their next cleaning and checkup.

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Bear Creek Family Dentistry in Duncanville is committed to creating healthy, beautiful smiles using the latest innovations in dentistry. Our dentists provide compassionate care for patients of all ages. We have a diverse team of specialists, including pediatric dentists. Request an appointment through our website or call (972) 433-0107.