While kids look forward to Halloween, many parents worry about the oral health effects of the goodies they will get from trick-or-treating. While sugar can harm your little one’s teeth, the pediatric dentistry experts at Hawaii’s Kapolei Keiki Dental know it’s unreasonable to expect them to completely avoid sweets. However, it is reasonable to monitor and minimize children’s sugar intake. Their team shares dental care advice to help your child maintain excellent oral health while enjoying sweet treats.

Pediatric Dentistry Tips for Keeping Teeth Safe From Sugar

1. Encourage Regular Teeth Cleaning

If your child is too young to clean their teeth competently, help them brush at least twice a day, in the morning and the evening. If your little one enjoys sticky sweets during the day, have them brush immediately afterward, if possible. Assist them with flossing before bedtime to help them develop the habit.

2. Combat Cavities With Dental Sealants & Fluoride

Talk with your dentist about getting sealants for your child’s teeth; they add a protective layer over chewing surfaces to prevent plaque buildup. Also, ask about in-office fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel to resist decay. These procedures are useful year-round but are particularly helpful before candy-laden holidays like Halloween.

3. Schedule Regular Dental Exams

Biannual teeth cleanings and checkups at a pediatric dentistry clinic will ensure your child’s oral health is on track. They will detect cavities and other issues early so your dentist can fix them before they become severe.

Your child can enjoy Halloween candy in moderation — just ensure they follow a preventative dental care routine afterward. For more tips on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, contact Kapolei Keiki Dental on Oahu. With their friendly and gentle approach to pediatric dentistry, they make young patients feel at ease. Go online for more information about their services and call (808) 944-1020 to schedule an examination and teeth cleaning procedure.  Go to their Yelp page to read parents’ reviews of the clinic.