Halloween is just a short time away, which means kids will be ready to trick or treat, and you may be handing out treats to neighborhood kids. As dentists, we want to help your family make good choices for your smile, and enjoy this spooky holiday without putting your teeth at risk. In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, dentist talks about safeguarding your smile.
Giving Out Healthy Treats
If you’re handing out treats to children in your neighborhood, why not choose options that don’t put their smiles at risk? For example, if you were to give out sealed packages of nuts or trail mix, or sugar-free gum. You could also avoid candies and foods altogether, as stickers and party factors such as plastic spider rings and toy skeletons or bats also make great treats for kids.
Candies to Watch Out For
Items that are chewy and sticky, such as caramel, gummies, taffy, or even dried fruit, could cling to the teeth and remain for bacteria to consume, a process linked to plaque buildup and tooth decay in all ages. Try to instead enjoy items that are milk chocolate, as these can be easily cleaned. Also, remember that hard candies could potentially damage the teeth. When your kids bring home their haul, try to limit how many they can eat each day, and reserve them for after meals to be enjoyed with a glass of water, which helps cleanse the teeth. You could also offer them the chance to trade their candy in for money or a toy!
Better Oral Hygiene
Everyone needs to maintain good oral hygiene in the days after Halloween, and every day as well. Each day, kids and adults alike need to brush for two minutes in the morning and again at night, and to use a fluoride toothpaste when they do. This helps remove food particles from the teeth. Floss every evening is essentially as this removes what a toothbrush cannot reach. Encourage your kids to drink more water, and also make time for a checkup and cleaning visit. Now is a great time to see us, as the holiday season hasn’t made your schedule too hectic yet. A final checkup and cleaning of the year helps kids start 2022 with a brighter and healthier smile.
If you have any questions about keeping smiles healthy and strong this Halloween, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Allen, TX Dentist About Protecting Your Smile
We want you and your family to keep your smiles healthy and strong this year! To find out more about how to protect your teeth and gums from poor oral health, then contact your Allen, TX, dentist, Dr. Torrens-Parker, by calling 469-342-6644.
