Halloween is the perfect time to talk to your kids about their oral health because the entire holiday is centered around sugar, which can cause serious dental issues. Although you don’t have to deprive your children of trick-or-treating to protect their teeth, tongue, and gums, there are steps you can take to ensure their smiles stay healthy despite having pillowcases full of candy in the house. A friendly family dentist from Anchorage Dental Center shares just a few of them below.

Protect Your Kids’ Teeth With These 3 Tips From a Friendly Family Dentist

1. Let Them Indulge—Once

Children are persistent, and once they have an idea in their head, it can be hard for them to let it go. If you purchased your kids’ costumes a month ago, that means they have been thinking about Halloween for a while. To prevent them from sneaking candy in the weeks after Halloween, let them have their fill—in moderation—before you start rationing it.

2. Remind Them Why Sugar Is Bad

Talk to your kids about the side effects of eating too much sugar using terms that they can understand. There are tons of children’s books on both obesity and oral hygiene, so consider purchasing a few around this time of year and reminding them why they can’t eat all the candy they want. When kids understand the reasoning behind your decisions, they are much less likely to challenge them.

3. Get Everyone a New Toothbrush

Purchasing new toothbrushes for the whole family around Halloween is a great way to remind them of the importance of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. If you can find brushes that happen to correspond to your kids’ costumes, that’s even better!

In addition to following the above tips, you can protect your children’s oral health by scheduling regular exams and by visiting the dentist yourself to set a good example. If you’re overdue for an appointment, turn to Anchorage Dental Center.  To learn more about the general dentistry procedures they offer, visit their website, or call (907) 278-2521 to schedule a teeth cleaning in Anchorage today.