Our pediatric dentist in Mission, TX, understands that Halloween is such an exciting time for kids. Most can’t wait to dress up in their costumes and go trick-or-treating to collect all sorts of yummy treats door-to-door. But as a parent, you’re probably aware that all that sugar isn’t exactly great for their teeth.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about your child missing out on Halloween fun. In this blog, Clover Hills Dentistry offers our three top tips for parents out there to keep their kids’ teeth nice and healthy, even with all that tempting Halloween candy.
- Know Which Candies to Avoid
Often, candy is full of sugar that can cause cavities. When consumed, sugar interacts with cavity-causing bacteria and produces an acid that is responsible for slowly dissolving enamel and creating tiny holes in the teeth (or cavities). Plus, some of those candies are sugary AND acidic, which can really damage your tooth enamel. Once the enamel goes away, your teeth become more vulnerable to injury.
It’s wise to know which ones are the worst so you can either keep your child away from them or limit their consumption. So, our pediatric dentist in Mission, TX, has listed some of the worst candies for your teeth:
- Sticky Treats: Taffy and even dried fruits (like raisins) love sticking to teeth. These types of treats celebrate Halloween with a sticky sugar party in the mouth, which can welcome cavities.
- Hard Candy: Lollipops, jaw breakers, and other hard candies may last a while. However, the longer they hang out in your mouth, the more sugar clings to the teeth. YIKES!
- Sour Candy: Gummy worms and other tart treats are chock full of acid that can seriously damage teeth.
We want to note that Clover Hills Dentistry doesn’t think that ALL candy is full of gloom and doom. Some candies are less harmful. Think dark chocolate, sugarless candy, and candies that dissolve quickly. Keep all this in mind when it’s time for that Halloween candy haul. Your teeth will thank you!
- Donate or Share Candy
Halloween is that one time of year when candy and treats are everywhere! While it might be tempting to let your kids indulge in all the delicious sugary treats, as a parent, you probably know that too much candy can lead to tooth pain and tummy aches.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! Our pediatric dentist in Mission, TX, encourages kids to donate or share their Halloween candy. you can not only teach them to be generous and thoughtful, but you can also stay healthy by enjoying treats in moderation. So, instead of letting the candy pile up on the counter, why make it a family activity to choose a few treats to keep and then donate the rest to a good cause? It will benefit everyone involved!
- Book Regular Visits with Our Pediatric Dentist in Mission, TX
If you suspect your child might have a cavity from all those sugary Halloween treats, it’s essential to get it checked out right away. Look out for signs like a toothache, sensitivity to sweets, or discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. Also, you might notice some spots or surface stains on their teeth. The sooner you take your child to our pediatric dentist in Mission, TX, for a dental exam, the better.
If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth, regardless of how much Halloween candy they’ve had, don’t hesitate to contact Clover Hills Dentistry. We’re here to help!
