Dental Tips for Halloween
There’s no disputing that Halloween is loved by many. There’s a surplus of candy, fun costumes, and more. However, this might be a dental nightmare for the entire family.
Though candy is delicious, it can contribute to tooth decay. Luckily, there are a few simple methods to turn Halloween into an opportunity to teach your children about the significance of excellent oral hygiene. Below, our Bethlehem GA dentist shares some tricks to utilize when your kids get their hands on Halloween sweets, according to a family dentist:
1. Before Trick-or-Treating, Eat A Balanced Meal
To start, our Loganville dental office recommends eating a balanced meal for both children and adults. When people are hungry, they tend to make less healthful eating choices, regardless of age. Preparing a healthy, balanced meal for your child before a Halloween party or trick-or-treating will help them avoid overindulging.
2. Allow the children to choose what they want to keep.
Next, our pediatric dentist Bethlehem GA recommends getting rid of some of the candy.When you deny your kids the experience of trick-or-treating and collecting candy, it becomes even more attractive. Thus, they’re more likely to sneak into the kitchen for candy. Deprivation is not the best strategy to maintain a balanced diet, especially when discussing the dangers of eating too much sweets can help children quit bingeing.
In fact, Halloween is a fantastic time to discuss how reducing sugar and starchy foods can help prevent cavities. Additionally, this reduces the need for restorative dentistry such as fillings, and improve general health! Thus, our family dentistry in Bethlehem GA explains that when your children return from trick-or-treating or a Halloween celebration, look over their candy with them. Then, discuss which snacks they prefer and how much they should keep. Our friends over at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, Colorado Springs dentist, gave an excellent tip. They detailed that some parents give their kids a few dollars to buy toys or books in exchange for the candy.
3. Set aside time each day for treats.
Additionally, setting a time to have a treat each day is another pediatric dentistry tip that can help your child establish a good attitude toward sugary snacks and moderation in general. Looking forward to a specific time when they can eat a treat will help them think less about eating sweets throughout the day. Even building a reward system for excellent behavior, assisting with chores, and getting good grades in school might all lead to a tasty gift!
4. Establish an Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential for good dental health at any age—and we understand that the latter is a sensitive topic for many. Encourage your kids to brush their teeth around half an hour after they’ve had their treat, as well as in the morning and before night. Using a fluoride toothpaste and rinse developed for children can make brushing their teeth more fun and engaging for them, while also giving you peace of mind that their teeth are being safeguarded from decay.
Additionally, we recommend assisting youngsters under the age of eight with brushing and flossing; good oral health requires thorough brushing and flossing. Children over the age of eight should be supervised until they reach the age of adolescence. Brushing and flossing should be a well-established habit by then.
5. Dentist Tips for Making Brushing Fun
Halloween is also an excellent opportunity to purchase a new toothbrush for your child. Make it a fun affair by allowing your youngster to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste. Another excellent dental recommendation for families? Children are more likely to enjoy brushing and flossing their teeth when they like their toothbrush and toothpaste, so letting them choose their favorite superhero or Disney princess for their toothbrush is well worth the extra cost! Check your child’s toothbrush for damaged bristles on a regular basis; it should be replaced every three to four months for the optimum outcomes for their adorable grins.
Contact Gentle Dental Today for Pediatric Dentistry
If your child needs to book their second annual cleaning, after Halloween is a perfect time! Contact Gentle Dental today to get your child on our schedule. We look forward to seeing you soon!