Balancing Halloween Fun with Cavity Prevention

With Halloween just around the corner, parents and dentists everywhere are gearing up for the rapid influx of patients sporting shiny new cavities. Of course, we understand that consuming and enjoying sugary treats is in the very nature of the Halloween spirit, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be smart about it. Here are some ways to help balance the fun of Halloween with an eye on cavity prevention.

Drink Plenty of Water

It should go without saying, but ensuring that your children are getting plenty of water throughout the evening and following days can do wonders towards protecting teeth against cavities. Cavities are caused by breakdowns in tooth enamel, most commonly due to a buildup of harmful bacteria because of excess carbohydrates present on teeth. Therefore, rinsing out your mouth frequently can help lower the amount of sugar, thus controlling the populations of harmful bacteria. Drinking water also has plenty of other health benefits, so it’s a win-win for everyone!

Don’t Pace Yourself

It sounds a bit counterintuitive, but consuming candy in short bursts may be better for your teeth than grazing on small bits of candy throughout the day. The reason for this is much the same as why drinking water is beneficial; it prevents a buildup of sugar on teeth that encourages the growth of harmful bacteria. By eating all of your sugar in one fell swoop, you minimize the contact it has with your teeth. However, this technique does have it’s downsides. Ingesting massive amounts of sugar in one big gulp is never a good idea. Ensure that you still pace your children, but keep the candy eating crazes to a couple times a day at most.

Brush Brush Brush!

Never has there been a more important time to brush your teeth! Brushing your teeth is the best way to get rid of sugary residues and does more than drinking any amount of water will do. Enforce strong brushing habits with your children and supervise their brushing to make sure they’re doing a good job. It makes all the difference in the world!

Halloween is a fun and exciting tradition, and we aren’t here to put a dampener on the mood! Go out and lets your children enjoy themselves (in a safe and responsible manner of course!). If there is by chance a cavity that needs tending to the next day, Centennial Smiles Dental is here and happy to help. Give us a call at  (587) 317-7959 anytime!