Halloween is right around the corner, and that means your child will be returning home with a bag full of sweets. While this time of year is exciting for trick-or-treaters, it’s not so thrilling for your child’s teeth, so it’s essential to stay on top of your child’s oral hygiene. Here are a few recommended tips from children’s dentists to avoid dental mishaps. 

What Parents Should Know About Halloween Dental Care

1. Limit Sticky & Hard Treats

Certain candies are more harmful than others. Sticky candies, such as gummy worms and caramels, can get stuck between your child’s teeth and cause tooth decay. Hard candies can chip teeth, so tell your child to avoid biting these treats. While you don’t need to ban these candies altogether, limit their consumption. 

2. Opt for Chocolate

Of all of the candies in your child’s stash, chocolate gets the stamp of approval from children’s dentists. Chocolate is less sticky and acidic than other candies. Dark chocolate is even beneficial for the teeth since it contains antioxidants that keep bacteria in control. So if you are tempted to sneak a treat from the candy bag, choose a piece of chocolate. 

3. Practice Proper Brushing

Since your child will be indulging in various sweets this season, children’s dentists put extra emphasis on brushing and flossing. Ensure your child is brushing in the morning and at night. You may want to assist them with flossing to remove the bits of candy from between their teeth. Your dentist may also recommend a mouthwash to remove any bacteria stuck to teeth. 

4. Set Candy Boundaries 

Don’t let your child eat too many sugary sweets at once. One way to do this is to keep candy in a kitchen cabinet instead of their bedroom. You may also introduce a rule that only allows your child to eat a piece of candy after meals. These boundaries can keep your child’s teeth free of excess sugar. 

For this sugary season and the rest of the year, you need a dentist to keep your family’s teeth healthy. Kapolei Keiki Dental in Hawaii is here to set a strong foundation for your child’s dental hygiene. These children’s dentists provide cavity prevention, dental restoration, and teeth cleaning for toddlers to teenagers. They also offer emergency dental appointments for life’s unexpected moments. For more information on their services, visit their website. Schedule an appointment by calling (808) 944-1020.