02/11/2017
Halloween has come and gone, and we all know what that means. Sugar, sugar, and more sugar. If teeth could scream they would do it now. Sugar in small doses is sweet, but the sugar-rush that is Halloween can cause problems for your child’s teeth. When sugar from pop or candy mixes with the bacteria in the dental plaque it creates a mild acid, which coats around the outer shell of the tooth called the enamel. When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals and weaken. This is how cavities form, and when a visit to the dentist becomes inevitable. So to protect your child’s teeth during the time after Halloween, follow these useful tricks to minimize sugar intake and get that sugar off their teeth as fast as possible so it can do no harm.
SET LIMITS
Before your child heads for the trick-or-treating (or even your regular home) stash, talk to them about their expectations and set a limit on candy consumption. Give them a smaller or just a weekly amount in one dose. Offer to trade candy for a toy or a trip to the movies. This may be harder on your wallet but much easier on your child’s teeth in the long run and promotes a conscious choice your child can make on their road to healthy dental hygiene.
INSPECTION SERVICE
If you can, go through the candies that was brought home and check and remove the most sugar-intensive teeth-rotting candy varieties. This may be difficult, but at least asking your child to minimize their candy intake will make them more aware and perhaps get them to temper their consumption.
MIX AND MATCH
Set specific treat times to avoid the constant snacking that will have your child’s mouth full of the sugar-fueled acid that eats away at tooth enamel. The best times are meal times, where the candy consumption is preceded by a healthy and balanced meal. Fill your child’s stomach with nutrition not sugar. Have fun and have some candy yourself, and encourage your child to follow your sugar limitations and habits.
GO SUGAR-FREE
Sugar-free candy and chewing gum is the best option, chocolate after that, and lollipops and other hard candy are the worst options. Essentially, the less time that sugar is in contact with the teeth the better.
KEEP THEM CLEAN
Floss. Brush. Rinse. Repeat. Have your child brush after every meal, and, ideally, after every sugary snack and brush the "dentist-recommended" two minutes. If you are out and have no toothbrush, even rinsing with a glass of water will help wash away the sugary acids that are the sources of tooth decay. Pay particular attention to removing sticky candies so it doesn’t sit in the tooth and soften the enamel.
At Peace Dental we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive care, focusing on optimum health, functionality and aesthetic appeal of your teeth. We love kids and engage and treat children at a young age in a positive way that gets them looking forward to coming to the dentist.
For more information, please give us a call. We’d love to hear from you.