Halloween is here once again, which means your kids will be dressing up in costumes and asking the neighbors for candy. While we all know that sugary sweets are bad for kids’ teeth, it’s almost impossible to avoid them altogether this time of year. To ensure your child doesn’t end up at the dentist getting a cavity filled, follow these simple do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Eat candy after meals.

The body produces more saliva when we eat, and it helps to prevent tooth decay by rinsing away sugar and food particles. When you feed your kids before they head out to trick or treat, the extra saliva in their mouths will help reduce the likelihood of cavities.

Brush and floss after eating candy.

Saliva helps keep teeth clean but it can’t do it all on its own. This is especially true when candy is consumed. To avoid a trip to the dentist, have your child drink a glass of water after they eat their sweet treats, then send them to the bathroom to brush and floss.

Don’t:

Indulge in sticky sweets.

While dentists agree that all candy is bad for pearly whites, super sticky sweets, such as taffy and caramel, are especially harmful. They cling to the teeth, get stuck in between them, and are very difficult to brush and floss away. Kids have a particularly hard time removing the residue thoroughly, so your best bet is to put these kinds of candies on the off-limits list.

Eat candy all day.

Leaving out bowls of M&M's and candy corn may be decorative, but it’s also a way to ensure your little ones eat too much. Put Halloween treats away when it’s not time to indulge. Your kids may not thank you, but your dentist will.

For more advice on how to keep your kids’ teeth and gums healthy, contact J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S. in Anchorage, AK. With more than 33 years of experience, Dr. McBratney offers a wide range of professional services for all members of the family, from checkups and teeth cleaning to tooth extraction, teeth whitening, and emergency services. Visit the website to learn more, and call (907) 562-3323 to schedule an appointment today.