Halloween Candy and Children’s Teeth

Halloween is just around the corner.  The time for spooks, ghouls, trick or treating and CANDY! As dental professionals the scariest thing about Halloween is tooth decay.

Why is Sugar bad?

Sugar and saliva together produce plaque.  Plaque is a sticky, glue-like substance that adheres to the teeth.  The byproduct of plaque is acid.  Acid in turn demineralizes enamel and weakens the tooth’s protective cover, enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance of the body (yes, it’s even harder than bone), but it is also the only substance of the body that the body can’t repair or heal.

Here are three tips to help prevent tooth decay when surrounded by candy:

1. Don’t snack on candy or sweet drinks all day.  Every time you put candy (sugar) in your mouth it raises the acidity level and limits your mouths recovery time.
2. Try to eat sugary treats after a meal.  The meal helps stimulate salivary flow and neutralize the oral environment.
3. Brush and floss immediately after eating candy. OR Better yet… Make healthier choices and skip sugar all together! Could you substitute sugar free candy?

Now it’s your turn! Do you have any tips to help kids enjoy Halloween but still take care of their teeth? Pinterest can help you find many fun choices that are much healthier.  HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!