Kids and adults love Halloween for the decorations, costumes, parties, and trick-or-treating. However, if there’s an excess of candy in your household, that could create a dental nightmare. While overeating candy could lead to tooth decay, that doesn’t mean we can’t turn Halloween into a learning opportunity for cavity prevention.
In this guide, we’re outlining five ways to prevent cavities after Halloween. That way, your children can still look forward to pumpkin carving and bags full of trick-or-treat candy. To learn more about taking care of your teeth during Halloween, contact our team at Lovett Dental Webster today at 832-932-5584.
1. Cavity Prevention Starts with Good Brushing Habits
Cavity prevention after Halloween starts with good dental hygiene. Your child can prevent the development of cavities by brushing and flossing regularly. That way, they’re actively removing bacteria that could form plaque or cause harm to their teeth.
This preventative tip can also extend to using mouthwash regularly. If your child doesn’t have time to brush and floss after eating candy, encourage them to swish with mouthwash. Doing so removes as much sugar from their mouth as possible.
2. Eat Dinner or a Late Lunch Before Trick-or-Treating
It doesn’t matter if you’re a child or an adult; we all tend to make unhealthy food choices when we’re hungry. Make sure your children eat a well-balanced meal before trick-or-treating or heading to a Halloween party. That way, they’re less likely to fill up on starchy or sugary foods.
Staying hydrated is another way of preventing cavities. Avoid sugary beverages and choose water instead. Drinking water ensures that your child is rinsing particles from their mouths after eating sugary treats.
3. Encourage Your Child to Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Practice preventative dentistry on-the-go by giving your child sugar-free gum. When they chew it after eating a sugary treat, the sugar-free gum washes away sugars and plaque. Cavity prevention is possible because this gum also neutralizes acids that typically cause tooth decay.
Your child is going to want to chew the gumballs and other sugary gum in their treat bag. Consider encouraging them to avoid that gum and chew sugar-free gum instead. Explain to them that, while the other gum might taste good, it will damage their teeth.
4. Make an Appointment with Your Child’s Dentist
Cavity prevention and preventative dentistry are also possible by scheduling regular teeth cleaning with your child’s dentist. If they see an issue, they take preventative dental measures that include dental sealants. While teeth cleaning and dental sealants are essential for cavity prevention, the dentist will also teach your child how to keep their teeth healthy at home.
No one wants to spend much time in the dentist’s chair, especially children. By taking the dentist’s advice, your child can prevent cavities and avoid frequent trips to the dentist. Typically, dentists send children home with a new toothbrush and floss to help encourage good dental hygiene.
5. Keep Specific Types of Candy to a Minimum
It’s going to be tempting for your child to dig into their candy bag while trick-or-treating or as soon as they get home. However, encourage them not to graze on candy throughout the day. Then, set limits for specific kinds of candy. These candies include:
- Gum that contains high levels of sugar
- Sticky candies, including caramels and taffy
- Hard candies, like lollipops that take a long time to dissolve or could break teeth when biting down
- Any treats that can get stuck in your child’s teeth
Turn to Lovett Dental Webster for Post-Halloween Dental Care
Cavity prevention is possible when you teach your child about moderation and good dental hygiene habits. Help your child prevent cavities by scheduling regular teeth cleaning or dental sealants with your local dentist. We offer several pediatric dentistry services, such as:
- Dental cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Emergency dental treatments
- Dental braces
Contact Lovett Dental Webster 832-932-5584 today to learn more about how we can help your child after the Halloween season.
