4 Tips for Preventing Cavities This Halloween

With Halloween right around the corner, your little one is probably looking forward to dressing up, trick-or-treating, and enjoying their haul of sweets and treats! But with so many sugary options available this time of the year, it’s important to be extra-vigilant about your child’s oral health. Here are some tips from your dentist in Littleton to help you keep your child’s smile as healthy and white as possible this spooky season.

Tip #1: Be Selective About Your Child’s Candy

A good rule of thumb to remember is that the longer a certain type of candy stays in your child’s mouth, the more harmful it is! Instead of caramels and hard candies, have your child opt for chocolates; they’re often swallowed quickly and don’t stick to teeth, nor do they pose a risk of fracturing them. You should also have your child avoid candies that are acidic or chewy. Even “healthier” snacks like crackers and pretzels can pose a risk to your child’s smile, as these starchy items also form cavity-causing bacteria.

Tip #2: Enjoy Sugar in Moderation

During the holiday season, and arguably starting with Halloween, there are seemingly endless opportunities to indulge in sweet foods and drinks: juices, Kool-Aid, sodas, hot cocoa, and more can all be potentially hazardous for your child’s teeth. Instead of letting your child graze on their Halloween candy all day, it’s better to let them have a few pieces after a meal. Cavity prevention isn’t only about the amount of sugar consumed, but also how frequently it’s consumed. That said, it’s also good to enjoy sugar in moderation and limit the amount of time it’s in contact with your teeth.

Tip #3: Encourage Excellent Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is important year-round, not just during Halloween! That said, be sure that you’re encouraging your child to brush and floss daily. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is crucial, especially if they’re regularly consuming sweets.

Tip #4: Schedule Preventive Dental Care

Brushing and flossing alone isn’t enough—your child should also be visiting their dentist twice a year for preventive care, and this time of year is ideal for one of those visits! These routine appointments play an integral role in detecting oral health issues early on. They also allow your child’s dentist to remove any stubbornly built-up plaque and tartar.

Following these tips and making smart choices will keep everybody’s smiles looking white and bright. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health this Halloween, don’t hesitate to contact their dentist to get their smile set up for a healthy future!

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti and her team have proudly served the dental needs of the Mt Dora community for several years. Dr. Lacquaniti received her dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Her practice is pleased to offer many available services including pediatric dentistry! If you have any questions about the article or need to schedule a visit for your little one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (352) 383-8121.