Halloween is a time for tricks and treats, but the trickiest part of the season can be the cavities you get from all the treats. To avoid your dentist spending the rest of the year clearing cavities, they recommend these preventative tips to keep your kids—and their teeth—happy and healthy. 

Tips for Keeping Teeth Healthy This Halloween

1. Avoid Sticky Candies

Dentists will recommend steering clear of taffy or gummies, as these and other sticky candies will cling to your teeth. It takes longer for saliva to wash them away, which makes tooth decay more likely. Candies like chocolate are a better choice because they can be eaten more quickly.

2. Avoid Hard Candies

This type of candy is a dentist’s nightmare, as they are completely made of sugar. They coat your teeth as you wait for them to dissolve, and if you try to bite into them too soon, you can crack a tooth. Once again, candies that are quicker and easier to eat are the way to go.

3. Opt for Sugar-Free & Natural-Based Treats

Tooth decay can occur when the bacteria in your mouth feed off of the sugar in candy. When possible, have your kids eat sugar-free candies to curb the possible decay. Another strong choice that dentists recommend is candy or treats that contain ingredients from actual foods, like nuts or dark chocolate. They will not only add substance to your kid’s candy choices, but they will also fill them up quicker than other treats.

4. Enjoy That Mealtime Treat

Did you know that it’s actually better to eat candy with your dinner or as a tasty dessert? Eating a meal promotes increased saliva in your mouth that cancels out the acids produced by the bacteria in your kids’ mouths. And as an added layer of protection, have them drink fluoridated water (which can be found in your taps based on where you live) to prevent tooth decay.

5. Brush Twice Daily

Your child’s dentist will always recommend that everyone should brush their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes. If they’re having candy for dessert, though, have your kids wait a little bit before brushing those pearly whites. The acid created by the bacteria in your mouth softens the enamel on your teeth, so waiting to brush your teeth until well after dinner will help protect that vital barrier by allowing it to return to a more resilient state.

Dental health is particularly important during the Halloween season, which is why Sarah E. Frye, DDS PA recommends these tips for keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Dr. Frye and her team have been the Lexington, NC, area’s go-to dental practice for over 30 years, covering everything from routine check-ups to orthodontia. They place an emphasis on preventative dental care and aim to promote overall body health through proper oral health. To learn more about the range of services this dentist offers, call (336) 248-5057 or visit their website today.