{"id":335,"date":"2014-10-06T12:10:14","date_gmt":"2014-10-06T12:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lrfamilydentalcare.com\/?p=335"},"modified":"2020-05-18T16:16:55","modified_gmt":"2020-05-18T16:16:55","slug":"oral-care-tips-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lrfamilydentalcare.com\/blog\/oral-care-tips-halloween\/","title":{"rendered":"Oral Care Tips For Halloween"},"content":{"rendered":"

With Halloween right around the corner, millions of children throughout the country are choosing their costumes in preparation of the spookiest day of the year. Accumulating a bag full of your favorite candy by saying a simple phrase, \u201ctrick or treat,\u201d is a memorable experience that boys and girls of all ages will enjoy. However, the mounds of sugary candy your child will receive on Halloween may contribute to dental decay and cavities, which is why it’s important for parents to set some ground rules.<\/p>\n

Candy After Meals<\/h2>\n

The American Dental Association<\/a> (ADA) recommends consuming Halloween candy and other sugary snacks after a meal. The excess saliva produced by your mouth during mealtime will neutralize some of the acids formed by bacteria while also helping to flush out food debris.<\/p>\n

Avoid The Soda<\/h2>\n

Did you know that a single 12-ounce can of cola contains as much as 39 grams of sugar? In addition to being loaded with sugar, sodas are also highly acidic. This creates the perfect cocktail in which cavities form. And when you combine sodas with candy, it’s even worse for your teeth and gums. If your child wants to enjoy a sweet treat on Halloween, encourage him or her to drink water instead of sodas. Good old fashioned H2O will wash away debris will allowing your child to enjoy an occasional piece of candy.<\/p>\n

Note: you can choose fluoridated bottled water for an even greater level of protection against cavities.<\/p>\n

Avoid Sticky Candy<\/h2>\n

Generally speaking, sticky candies such as taffy and gummy worms are worse for your teeth than non-sticky candies. Debris will wrap itself around the teeth, promoting the formation of bacteria and acids that eat away at the enamel and cause cavities. Parents should perform an \u201caudit\u201d of their children\u2019s candy, limiting the amount of sticky candy they are allowed to consume.<\/p>\n

Brush Twice a Day, Floss Once a Day<\/h2>\n

Basic oral care should be followed on Halloween. This includes brushing twice a day with an ADA-approved toothpaste and flossing once a day. Parents should also encourage their children to use a kid-friendly mouth rinse to flush out any Halloween candy remnants.<\/p>\n

Fun Facts About Halloween:<\/h3>\n