With Halloween right around the corner, kids are already thinking about their costume and all the goodies they’re going to get. Trick-or-treating is the stuff great childhood memories are made of, but too much candy can also lead to lingering dental problems like cavity and tooth decay. Here are some dentist-recommended do’s and don’ts to keep their smiles bright and healthy.

Do:

Brush & Floss After Eating Candy

While daily brushing is always important, it becomes even more so after consuming sweets. Make sure that your kids are thorough, using floss to get the spaces between teeth, before the plaque and bacteria has time to harden. This will reduce the chance of cavities. 

Drink Lots of Water 

Avoid giving your kids sugary drinks on Halloween, which will only cause more trouble for their dental health. By offering them water instead, they will wash away some of the leftover sugar and acid on their teeth, as well as stay hydrated inside their warm costumes.

Pace Out How Much Is Being Consumed

While they might get a ton of candy, create guidelines on how much they can eat at one time. Opt for a couple of pieces after dinner since the extra saliva in their mouth from the meal will help break down sugars. 

Don't:

Choose Candy That's Sticky

Gummy or sticky candies, like taffy or caramels, get stuck in the teeth and make it easier to develop tooth decay or a cavity. If possible, remove these from their bag or limit them to just a few. Furthermore, dentists do not recommend them at all for kids with braces since these treats could easily damage or displace a bracket.

Bite Down on Hard Candies

Biting down on hard candy might cause them to chip a tooth. Furthermore, it can weaken their tooth enamel more than other sweets because kids have to suck on these candies for an extended period.

Eat Too Much Sour Candy

Sour candy might seem like a safer option, but the acid they contain can be even worse for tooth enamel. Make sure your kids enjoy these treats only in moderation. 

If you're searching for a quality dentist in the Pagosa Springs, CO, area, look to King Campbell, DDS, PLLC. With comprehensive dental services, from deep cleaning teeth twice a year to cosmetic dentistry options, their team can help with all of your smile's needs. To schedule your appointment today, call (970) 731-2126 or visit them online to learn more about their services.