Halloween brings spooky fun for kids of all ages. Unfortunately, because of all the candy, the holiday increases your child’s risk of tooth decay. Here are a few steps to protect your little one’s smile and prevent an unwanted trip to the dentist.

How to Protect Your Child’s Dental Health This Halloween

1. Save Candy for Meals

When a child eats candy, the sugary particles attract bacteria, which produces acids that lead to tooth decay. When eating a meal, the mouth produces saliva that washes away candy particles and bacteria. Instead of letting your child snack on Halloween candy throughout the day, encourage them to only eat it during or just after meals.

2. Avoid Certain Candies 

Some parents assume all candies pose the same threat to a child’s oral health. However, hard candies that must be sucked (like lollipops) and sticky candies that can get stuck in the teeth (like taffy and caramel) are more likely to cause tooth decay. That’s because they stay in the mouth longer and have more time to attract bacteria and cause tooth decay.

Sour candies also pose a special threat, as they contain acids that can erode enamel, the protective outer layer of a tooth that protects it from cavities. That’s why dentists say your child should donate or throw away hard, sticky, or sour candies.

Instead, focus on chocolate candy (especially dark chocolate, which contains less sugar than milk chocolate). Chocolate washes off the teeth more easily than other candies and doesn’t stay in the mouth for too long. 

3. Stay on Top of Your Child’s Dental Hygiene Routine

During the candy-filled Halloween season, it’s more important than ever to make sure your child is brushing their teeth twice a day with toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Make sure they brush for at least two minutes, and replace the brush if it has frayed bristles or if you’ve had it for more than three months. Also, have your little one floss at least once a day to dislodge any trapped pieces of candy.

Protect your child’s teeth all year long with the help of Kevin L. Ragsdale, DDS, in Dalton, GA. Dr. Ragsdale and his caring team provide comprehensive family dentistry services to keep your little one’s smile healthy and strong. Learn more about the practice online, or call (706) 275-6631 to schedule a dentist appointment.