Halloween is a favored holiday because kids get to wear fun costumes, hang out with friends, and collect candy for free. However, it can be challenging for parents to handle little ones powered by candy. After their sugar rush has subsided, follow these steps to ensure your kids don’t experience lasting dentistry damage from the sweet treats.

4 Dentistry Tips for a Healthy Halloween

1. Sift Through Their Sweets

Sort through your children’s Halloween haul and get rid of the most harmful pieces. For example, hard candies damage the protective enamel coating and can crack teeth when kids bite down on them. Caramels and licorice should also be avoided as they stick to teeth and are difficult to clean off.

2. Designate After-Dinner as Candy Time

If kids are munching on candy all day long, sugar will constantly coat their teeth and attract cavity-causing bacteria. Only give them candy as an after-dinner treat. During the day, keep it stashed away out of kids’ reach.

3. Keep Kids Hydrated With Water

Drinking water prevents dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Saliva acts as a natural cleansing agent, clearing away debris and bacteria. It also maintains a healthy pH in the mouth – if this environment gets too acidic, it wears away the protective enamel.

4. See Your Children’s Dentist

Schedule a cleaning for your kids after the Halloween stash is gone. The dentistry team has the tools and techniques to get rid of tartar, which can’t be brushed off. If ignored, tartar will cause gum disease.

Dr. Yongsok Do, DMD, of Keiki Dental is a board-certified pediatric dentistry professional located in Ewa Beach, HI. With a friendly team and welcoming atmosphere, this oral healthcare practice prioritizes the comfort of their young patients. They even offer various dental sedation methods so that anxious children can have their teeth cleaned. View their services online, or call (808) 680-9411 to schedule an appointment.