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Halloween is right around the corner, which means fun costumes, festive decorations, and spooky movies. But it also means your house will be full of candy. To responsibly enjoy this holiday tradition, follow a family dentist’s advice with these easy do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Brush your teeth after eating sweets.

When you indulge in Halloween candy, brush your teeth afterward. Teach your children to do the same. This will remove sugar from the surface of the teeth and prevent them from causing cavities. Also, drink plenty of water to rinse your teeth when you are eating more sweets than usual. 

Be careful while enjoying hard candy.

family dentistHard candy may be a seasonal favorite, but these treats can break or chip teeth. Tell your children to suck on rather than bite the candy, and keep hard sweets away from young children. If you or your child crack a tooth, visit your family dentist as soon as possible. 

Choose chocolate.

Chocolate is your best option. While chocolate still contains sugar, it is less likely to damage your teeth. Unlike sticky or hard candies, chocolate is easy to chew and melts in your mouth.

Don’t:

Choose sticky candy.

Sticky candy can get stuck between your teeth and cause cavities. If any of your children have braces, keep chewy candy away from them because they may damage their oral appliances. When you or your children do eat sticky candy, brush and floss thoroughly to remove any lingering pieces.

Eat too much candy at once.

Munching on candy is a tradition, so it’s all right to enjoy these treats in moderation. But eating too much candy in one sitting lets the bacteria in your mouth feast on sugar, which results in more plaque and risk of cavities. Stick to one piece at a time to protect everyone’s pearly whites. 

Keep candy in bedrooms.

One of the best ways to limit candy consumption is to control where your family can eat it. Keep your children’s candy bags in a kitchen cupboard rather than in their bedrooms to prevent midnight snacking and over-consumption. 

 

When you or your children need a dental checkup after Halloween festivities, turn to family dentist Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS in Kaneohe, HI. Dr. Kujiraoka and her team create a comfortable environment for general and cosmetic dentistry, so you leave every appointment smiling. Using updated techniques and technologies to provide exceptional care, these professionals will maintain your family’s oral health for years to come. Learn more about their services online and call (808) 235-2121 today to schedule an appointment with a family dentist.

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