Your kids may be ready to indulge in sweet treats this
Halloween, but don't let the holiday turn into an oral health nightmare. To
keep your children's smiles safe from creepy cavities this season and all
year-round, consider these tips from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
Don't Get Stuck
"Sticky, chewy candies are cavity-causing
culprits," says AGD spokesperson Connie White, DDS, FAGD. "Gummies,
taffy, caramel—they all get stuck in the pits and grooves of teeth, where it's
nearly impossible for saliva to wash them away. The longer that candy remains
stuck in the teeth, the higher the risk of developing cavities." Encourage
children to brush their teeth following candy consumption. If a toothbrush
isn't handy, says Dr. White, give them a glass of water to help swish away the
sugars.
If the candy is sour, however, hold off on the brushing.
Sour candy is likely acidic, so it's best to wait at least 30 minutes to an
hour before brushing. The action of brushing can actually spread the acid onto
more tooth surfaces, increasing its erosive action on tooth enamel.
Eat, Then Treat
On Halloween night, allow children to enjoy a few pieces of
candy, but only after they've eaten a nutritious meal.
"Chewing during a meal stimulates saliva, which has
protective enzymes and minerals to cleanse the teeth and protect against
cavities," says AGD spokesperson Mark Malterud, DDS, MAGD. "Plus,
eating before treating will give kids nice full tummies, tummies that might
have a little less room for candy."
Do Your Part
When trick-or-treaters visit your home, pass out
teeth-friendly treats. For example, sugar-free lollipops, hard candies, and
chewing gum are better options than their sugary alternatives.
"Sugar-free gum actually can help prevent
cavities," says Dr. Malterud. "Not only does it dislodge food
particles from between the teeth, but it also increases saliva to help wash
away the sugars."
Brushing Basics
"No matter what season it is, kids should be brushing
their teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day," advises
Dr. White. "It's especially important to brush before bedtime. Otherwise,
sugars will linger on the teeth all night long, increasing their risk of
cavities."
Brushing is so important for good dental hygiene,specially for children. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash will keep your teeth and gums healthy by minimizing the numbers of bacteria in your mouth. check here
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