Eating large amounts of candy is likely your kids’ favorite part about Halloween, but doing so can damage their teeth. While you don’t want to keep your kids from celebrating, you still want them to make healthy choices. Use these Halloween dental care tips for kids to protect them from tooth decay.

3 Dental Care Best Practices for Halloween Candy

1. Sort the Candy Before Your Kids Eat It

Certain candies damage teeth more than others. Sorting your kids’ candy before you let them eat it can help mitigate tooth decay.

Lollipops and other hard candies stay in the mouth longer, so the sugar sits on the surface of teeth for longer before it’s washed away.

Sticky candy gets stuck in tooth crevices and lingers in the mouth far longer than a chocolate bar might.

Sour candy is also one of the worst choices because its acidity can erode dental enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to cavities.

2. Help Them Practice Proper Home Dental Care

Kids should brush their teeth at least twice per day to prevent oral health issues. This daily hygiene routine is especially essential when indulging in sweets.

However, keep in mind that they shouldn’t brush immediately after having a treat. Acidic foods like candies can temporarily weaken tooth enamel, and brushing them at this time can further wear them down. Instead, have your children drink water to wash away some of the residue.

3. Explain How Too Much Candy Can Harm Their Teeth

Sugar feeds bacteria that live in your kids’ mouths. These bacteria produce acid that eats away at enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Eating a lot of candy on Halloween can, therefore, make your kids more likely to develop cavities.

Explain how brushing and flossing help protect teeth against cavities so your kids can enjoy candy worry-free. With a better understanding of the cause and effect of sugar and cavities, they’ll be more likely to stick to their dental care practices.

Have your kids’ teeth cleaned after a candy-filled Halloween extravaganza at Kapolei Keiki Dental. These pediatric dentists provide comprehensive preventative care while helping teach children the importance of dental care. They’ve been voted the Best Pediatric Dentist in Hawaii since 2009, so you can rest assured your child will be in reliable hands. Make your appointment today by calling (808) 944-1020, or learn more about their offerings online.