My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
How To Reduce Halloween Candy-Induced Tooth Decay
Bella Snyder
As the fall season approaches, so do the thoughts of Halloween. Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday, but it can be concerning for parents where their children's dental health is concerned. There will be an abundance of sweet, sticky treats coming home with your kids. The following are a few tips to help reduce the onslaught of cavities during this holiday:
Keep Away From Sticky and Hard Candy
Candy that is sticky can stay stuck to the surface of the teeth for an extended period of time, so try to avoid it as much as possible. Taffy and gummy candy can get stuck into the smallest grooves in and between the teeth, leading to decay if it is not removed quickly. Hard candy stays in the mouth for a long time because it takes a while to eat it. This leads to an extended exposure of sugar on your child's teeth. Try to avoid these candies as often as you can.
Limit Candy To Once A Day
It is okay to allow small indulgences in Halloween candy for a few days, but limit it to just a piece or two once a day. It is best to allow your child the candy after your main meal of the day. Eating candy after a large meal can help reduce the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth because there is an abundance of saliva after eating. The saliva washes away most food and candy particles that are in the mouth.
Drink Water After Eating Halloween Candy
After your child has finished eating their Halloween candy, make them drink a full glass of water. This is crucial, especially if your child does not have access to a toothbrush right after eating the candy. Drinking water can reduce the chance for decay to develop because it helps remove the sugar and sticky residue from the teeth. The minerals in tap water can also help prevent the chance for teeth to develop cavities.
Halloween is an exciting time of year, so it is important to allow your children to enjoy their treats to a degree. Be sure you go through the candy carefully to ensure it is something you are okay with your child eating. Also, it is crucial to practice proper oral hygiene while your child is having Halloween candy. Also, do not be afraid of cutting the candy off after a certain period of time. There is no need to still be eating Halloween candy a month after the holiday. Allow them to indulge for a few days then subtly get rid of whatever is left.
Click the link for a children's dentist or do an online search.
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