September has arrived, bringing with it the joy of crisp fall leaves and pumpkin-spiced lattes. And if you’re like an estimated 70% to 75% of American families who participate in Halloween festivities, you might already be putting together ideas for a scary costume or searching for the perfect sweets to hand out on the big night.
However, don’t forget that too much candy can potentially harm your child’s teeth! Continue reading to learn more about how you can help preserve their dental health while still celebrating the joys of spooky season!
How Does Candy Impact My Child’s Teeth?
Did you know that your kid’s mouth, like yours, contains hundreds of different types of germs? Some of these are beneficial, but others, like cariogenic bacteria, produce acids that can erode their enamel and contribute to tooth decay. Unfortunately, these microbes feed on sugars, such as those found in the Halloween candy your little one is so fond of.
The more candy your child consumes, the more acid attacks are unleashed on their teeth. The longer and more frequently their enamel is exposed, the likelier they are to develop issues like cavities or gum disease.
Are Some Sweets Safer Than Others?
It’s understandable to want to take your kid trick-or-treating, but you might worry they’ll hurt their dental health from eating all the candy they collect. Minimizing their sugar consumption can help prevent problems, but it can be challenging to say ‘no’ when everyone, from teachers to friends to strangers on the street, has sweet treats to share.
Options that linger in their mouths, like hard candies, gummies, or lollipops, tend to cause the most damage, though sour sweets are often highly acidic, which can also be harmful. You can potentially reduce your kid’s exposure to these options by encouraging them to enjoy options like bite-sized chocolates, which melt faster in their mouths. This gives harmful germs less opportunity to cause damage before they’re rinsed away by saliva.
How Can I Safeguard My Child’s Smile for Halloween?
Are you wondering how to best protect your child’s dental health throughout the holiday season? Fortunately, many common oral issues, such as periodontal problems or cavities, can be prevented with routine maintenance.
For example, implementing a twice-daily dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing can strengthen their teeth and gums to be more resistant to decay and disease. Also, scheduling a routine checkup and cleaning every six months allows their provider to monitor their condition to catch and address any areas of concern, like thinning enamel, before it progresses.
Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent your child from developing potential oral issues this Halloween!
About the Practice
At My Frederick Dentist, your family benefits from three dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Aziz, Dr. Hong, and Dr. Akber share over a decade of combined experience and collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services under one roof to people of all ages. Whether your child needs standard preventive care or has developed cavities that require attention, they are happy to help. You can request an appointment on the website or call (301) 698-9552.