With Halloween around the corner, children are already planning their routes to ensure they collect as much candy as possible. While you don’t need to completely restrict their candy intake, there are a few different steps you can take so they don’t wind up at the dentist with a cavity. Practice the following four tricks to keep your child’s Halloween fun and ensure a good checkup afterward!

3 Ways to Ensure a Tooth-Friendly Halloween

1. Avoid Chewy & Sour Candy

Chewy candy like caramels or taffy get stuck in the crevices between the teeth and can be incredibly difficult to completely remove. And while sour candy may not all be chewy, it is highly acidic, which can cause damage to the enamel that protects the inner tooth. Dentists often recommend sugar-free gum, which combats cavities by increasing the flow of saliva.

2. Determine a Treat Time

To avoid a candy overdose, limit your child’s treat consumption to a certain time of the day, whether that’s a short period after school or right after dinner. Snacking on candy all day isn’t good for their teeth; the sugar can lead to plaque and decay — and a trip to the dentist!

3. Drink Plenty of Water

While your child is snacking on their treats, make sure they are drinking plenty of water and rinsing their teeth when finished. Drinking and swishing water will help remove any tiny pieces that are stuck to teeth and can clean the rest of the mouth as well.

For superior health care services in Soldotna, AK, visit the professionals at Peninsula Community Health Services. The dentists on staff offer preventative and restorative dental care procedures for patients of all ages. Talk to one of their professionals about how you can ensure your child has a tooth-friendly Halloween this month. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (907) 283-7759.